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

May 20, 2007


Emory Tops Ferrum in 12 Innings to Advance
to Div. III College Baseball World Series

FERRUM, Va. – The Ferrum College baseball team and Emory University went to 12 innings for the second straight day, but this time Emory prevailed 6-5 to win the NCAA Division III South Region Baseball tournament and advance to the NCAA Division III World Series.

Box Score: Emory 6, Ferrum 5 (12 innings)

Ferrum took a 5-3 lead into the ninth inning for the second straight day only to see Emory tie the score.  Emory's Sam Cunningham hit a two-run homer to force extra innings.  Ferrum had its best chance to score in the 11th inning when they had a runner on second with one out and bases loaded with two outs.  However, they were unable to capitalize.

In the top of the 12th, Brandon Custer led off with a single for Emory and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt.  Tyler Short singled him in with two outs to put Emory in front for good 6-5 as Ferrum was unable to muster a rally in the bottom of the inning. 

For Emory, tournament MVP Frank Pfister was 4-6 with a double, a run, and RBI, Cunningham was 3-6 with a home run, a double, two runs, and three RBIs, Custer was 2-6, and Short was 2-5.  Rich Babb earned the win after surrendering no runs or hits over the final 1.2 innings while striking out two.

For Ferrum, Brent Sowers was 4-6 with a triple and a run, Justin Franklin was 4-6 with a home run, three runs, and an RBI, Nick Baker was 2-5 with a run, and Jesse Fuller was 2-6 with two RBIs.  Ryan Cooper pitched 10 innings allowing 5 runs (3 earned) on 12 hits while striking out 6.  

Ferrum concludes its season, Head Coach Abe Naff's final season, at 27-18. Emory at  39-8 will play in the NCAA Division III Baseball World Series in Appleton, Wis. which runs from May 25-29.

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