FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Gary Holden, Ferrum SID
(540) 365-4306

May 19, 2007


Ferrum Staves Off Elimination, Moves on to Championship Game

FERRUM, Va. -- Ferrum College battled its way into the championship game of the 2007 NCAA Division III Baseball Regional with a 17-9 win over York College (Pa.).   It was Ferrum's second win in the tournament over York, which was eliminated with a 3-2 mark.  The Panthers opened the tournament May 16 with a 10-2 win over the Spartans.

Box Score: Ferrum 17, York 9

Tied 6-6 heading into the bottom of the fifth inning, Ferrum exploded for five runs in the bottom of the frame to take an 11-6 lead, then plated six more runs in the bottom of the sixth to take a 17-8 lead.

RF Matt Gammon went 4-5 with two doubles, two runs and two RBI.  2B Daniel Heatwole had a two-run home run (career first, pictured above) in the second inning, and 3B Brett Thomas went 3-6 with a double, three runs and a stolen base.

John Gordon earned the win, pitching five innings in relief.  He allowed six hits and three earned runs, struck out two and walked five.  Starter Justin King scattered six hits over four innings, allowed two earned runs, fanned two and walked four.

York (32-14) was led offensively by CF Ryan Poff went 4-5 with three runs and an RBI.  Starting pitcher Tim Frisch absorbed the loss, pitching four innings and allowing nine hits.

Ferrum (26-17) moves on the title game against top seed Emory University.  The Eagles defeated Ferrum 9-6 Friday to advance to the championship.

Emory needs to win once to earn the title and a trip the the NCAA Division III World Series to be held May 25-29 in Appleton, Wisconsin.  Ferrum needs to win twice to win the title.  If the Panthers win Saturday, the deciding game would be played Sunday at noon.

# # #