Wilson Delivers Championship Game Spot for Pirates

May 13, 2007
aasu_5Spartanburg, S.C. - Josh Wilson delivered a game-winning two-run single in the bottom of the ninth inning to give Armstrong Atlantic State a 7-6 victory over Columbus State and an appearance in the championship game of the 2007 Peach Belt Conference Tournament Sunday at Cleveland S. Harley Baseball Park.

Armstrong improves to 38-21 on the year and advances to its second championship game appearance in the conference tournament.  Columbus State falls to 43-17 on the year.

Armstrong Atlantic State struck first when Eric Hudson scored on a two-out wild pitch to give the Pirates a 1-0 lead.  AASU added to its lead with a pair of runs in the third inning.  Truman Marek tripled to lead off the inning and scored on Tyler Evans’ double.  Evans later scored on Sean Hotzak’s RBI single to give the Pirates a 3-0 lead.

Columbus State scratched its way back into the game with two runs in the top of the fifth inning.  Brandon Masters tripled to start the inning and scored on Kurt McKee’s RBI single.  McKee scored on Drew Candlin’s sacrifice fly to right as the Cougars got within 3-2.

Armstrong added to its lead in the bottom of the seventh when Eric Hudson hit a two-run single to center as the Pirates opened a 5-2 lead. 

Columbus State responded immediately with four runs in the eighth to open a 6-5 lead.  Candlin started things off with a solo home run to lead off the inning.  David Brown singled with runners on second and third, driving in Brad Linton.  The Pirate left fielder attempted to throw to third on the play to get Rodney Rutherford, but the throw was errant and Rutherford scored on the error.  Bowen gave the Cougars a 6-5 lead on a sacrifice fly later in the inning.

Columbus got out of a jam in the eighth inning when Armstrong loaded the bases with one out.  However, Johnny Floyd got Marek to ground into the inning-ending 4-6-3 double play.

Armstrong rallied again in the bottom of the ninth inning.  Again the Pirates loaded the bases with one out, but this time, the Pirates came through on Wilson’s game-winning hit.

Armstrong reliever Jeremy Horst tossed 4 1/3 innings to earn his fourth victory of the season and improve to 4-0.  He struck out four and allowed just two earned runs.  Columbus State closer Johhny Floyd took the loss, tossing 1 1/3 innings.

Game Box