Nick Baker

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(540) 365-4360

March 29, 2005


Panthers Sweep West Virginia Tech in Baseball Doubleheader

FERRUM, VA -- Ferrum College picked up a non-conference baseball doubleheader sweep over visiting West Virginia University Tech this afternoon, winning 6-3 in the first game and 2-1 in the nightcap.

Ferrum got off to a quick start in the first game, scoring five runs in the bottom of the first.  The Bears battled back, scoring three runs in the third inning but the Panthers defense held fast and kept West Virginia Tech scoreless for the rest of the game.  In the bottom of the sixth frame, Nick Baker (Vinton, Va./William Byrd) hit his first career homerun. Baker went 3-3 with a RBI.  Matt Gammon (Providence, N.C./Bartlett-Yancey) also hit a home run, going 1-3 with two RBI’s.

Donnie Sprouse (Madison Heights, Va./Amherst Co.) went 2-2 with a RBI.  Ryan Cooper (Stuarts Draft, Va./Stuarts Draft) pitched a complete game, giving up three runs in seven innings and striking out four batters.  West Virginia Tech (12-13) was led by Eric Russell, who went 2-3.

          Official Box score for Game 1

In the second game with Ferrum trailing the Bears 1-0 in the bottom of the seventh, Donnie Sprouse reached on an error.  Baker and Travis Hundley (Ferrum, Va./Franklin County) both reached on bunts to continue the rally.  After a Tim Clay (Coeburn, Va./Coeburn) bases-loaded single to left field tied the game at 1-1, Quincy Davenport (Bedford, Va./Liberty) was hit by pitch to walk in the winning run.  Bowles, Jimmy Holm (Fairfax, Va./Chantilly) and Randall Stevens (Waynesboro, Va./Wilson Memorial) combined to pitch a one-run, five-hit, seven-strikeout game.  Stevens was credited with the win. 

          Official Box score for Game 2

Ferrum (12-7-1) returns to action Wednesday, March 30, at home for a non-conference game against  Guilford College at 4 p.m.  The Panthers will be on the road April 2-3 at Christopher Newport University.  The two teams will play a three-game USA South Athletic Conference series, two games on Saturday starting at 1 p.m. and one on Sunday at 1 p.m.
 

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