Offense Continues To Rule

By Kenny Cook - June 01, 2007

Western Carolina added a run in both the 2nd and 3rd innings and have chased ECU starter T.J. Hose. Donnie Wilson led off the second and eventually scored on a single by Blake Murphy, who later was thrown out at the plate to end the inning after a single by Steven Strausbaugh.

Brandon Henderson started off the ECU 2nd when he appeared to get hit on the arm. He started trotting to first base but was brought back by home plate umpire Ken Eldridge, who felt that Henderson had not been hit. After a lengthy discussion with the ECU coaches and an inspection of Henderson's arm, Eldridge finally awarded him first base. This drew the ire of WCU coach Todd Raleigh, who continued his discussion with Eldridge later in the inning after a trip to the mound. Tyler Sexton recovered to strike out the side and keep any more runs off the board.

WCU added its run in the third when Kenny Smith led off with a double and scored on a fielder's choice by Nick Liles.

The Pirates have pulled to within 5-3 when they scored on a single by Henderson to drive in Jamie Ray, who had reached base on an error. Henderson tried to advance to second on a would-be wild pitch , but Kyle Roller hadn't broken from second. Henderson was caught in a rundown to end the inning.

ECU starter T.J. Hose lasted only 2 innings, giving up 5 runs on 6 hits. WCU's Kenny Smith has shown that he's the real deal, with an RBI single in the first and double and run scored in the third.

5-2 Western Carolina in the top of the 4th.