The East Georgia College baseball team picked up their third win of the season on Saturday, splitting a double header with the Macon State club team. “Macon State has one of the top ranked club teams in the country, so I am happy with the split,” said EGC Head Coach Chuck Lusted.
In the first game, a 10-9 victory for the Bobcats, EGC jumped out to a 5-0 lead thanks to a home run by Kyle Rager and run scoring doubles by Austin Peebles and Carlton Hendrix.
In a see-saw battle Macon State tied the game at 5 in the top of the 4th; however, EGC went back on top 7-5 in the bottom of the 4th, scoring on a wild pitch and sacrifice fly by Rager. A 2-run home run by Macon State tied the game in the top of 5, but once again the scrappy Bobcats clawed their way back ahead in the bottom of the 5th to regain a 1 run lead. The game was far from over as Macon State came right back with 2 runs to take a 9-8 lead in the 6th but the Bobcats were not done. EGC center fielder Michael Johnson hit a solo shot to tie the game at 9 after 6 innings.
After winning pitcher Blake Chalkley shut the Mustangs down in the top of the 7th, the resilient Bobcats struck back in their final at bat. Seth Fleming led off the bottom of 7th with a walk and then stole second. Travis Rutkiewicz was intentionally walked, then Taylor Dowd lined a single to right. Austin Peebles capped his 4 RBI game with a sacrifice fly to deep center to score Fleming from third to win the game for the Bobcats.
In the night cap EGC started well, leading 4-1 after 4 innings. The Macon State bats woke up in the 5th as the Mustangs scored 8 runs in a 2 out, nobody on rally. The Bobcats fought back with 3 runs in the bottom of the 5th but it was not enough as they fell 9-7.
“I saw a lot of good things out there today”, commented Lusted. “We swung the bat well and played a relatively clean game defensively. We have a long ways to go but you have to appreciate the grit and determination of these young guys. They are playing hard and improving every day. The future looks good for EGC baseball.”
The Bobcats will take the field again at the Rec Department for a double header against Brewton Parker on Thursday, April 1st. Games will be at 3 and 5. The team will also play Friday at home in a rematch against Macon State. Admission is free.