BOONE, N.C. – For the second-straight week, Appalachian State University baseball came up just shy against its midweek opponent, falling 5-4 to East Tennessee State on Tuesday night at Thomas Stadium.
The Mountaineers (12-17) led the game to start, but would allow the Buccaneers (14-12) to climb back to make it a back-and-forth affair.
Appalachian got on the board first when a leadoff double by Drake Zupcic down the right-field line started off the second. After he advanced to third on a wild base, Chandler Seagle brought Zupcic home on a groundout RBI to go up 1-0.
Calev Grubbs would help extend the lead in the third inning when he singled through the right side, only to be moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Jason Curtis. Matt Vernon then completed the play, hitting a shot through the middle to bring home Grubbs.
ETSU inched back with one run put up in the third before a three-spot in the fifth inning (two of which unearned) gave it the 4-2 lead.
The Black and Gold were able to tie the ballgame again in the sixth inning when Matt Brill hit his first home run of the season, bringing in Seagle as well to knot it up at 4-4.
Pitchers for both programs continued to battle with the game tied until the Bucs capitalized on an early double to get the would-be game-winner.
Appalachian wouldn't go down without a fight, however, as they've been in the very same situation frequently this season.
In the top of the ninth, Brill continued swinging well, getting a leadoff double to start the inning before a sacrifice bunt by Brian Bauk put him on second. A Grubbs walk and hit-by-pitch on Curtis loaded the bases with two outs and Vernon at the plate. Vernon was able to get a good swing around, but the shortstop made an impressive play to stop it and end the game.
In all, Brill led the team with a double, a home run and two RBI – his best performance at the plate this season. Zupcic went 2-4 on the day with a double while Vernon finished 1-5 with an RBI.
On the mound, starting southpaw Bobby Hampton had a fine outing, going 6.1 innings and allowing just six hits and two earned runs while striking out four. Sean Mason, Tristan Helms and Reed Howell would all provide relief on the night
The Mountaineers return home this weekend when they host UT Arlington for a three-game conference series. First pitch of Game One is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday, April 7.
