CONWAY, S.C. – Appalachian State University baseball staged a rally to cut the deficit in half on a ninth-inning, two-run homer by Avery Jackson, however, it wouldn't be enough as it fell 4-2 to No. 24 Coastal Carolina on Friday night at Springs Brooks Stadium.
The Mountaineers (19-35, 8-21 Sun Belt) were able to get eight hits on the day to help keep the pressure on in the low-scoring affair while the Chanticleers (36-18-1, 21-7-1 Sun Belt) were able to tally nine on the evening.
Jackson led all hitters for App State, going 2-for-4 overall with the home run in the top of the ninth. Six other Mountaineers were able to record hits on the day to getting into scoring position, but weren't able to be brought home.
Colin Schmid got the nod for Appalachian and was able to go six innings only allowing eight hits and four runs while striking out three. Reed Howell and Dallas DeVrieze went an inning apiece to finish the game out, allowing just one hit between them.
The 24th-ranked Chanticleers simply chipped away at a lead scoring one run in the third, two in the fourth and the fourth run in the seventh to create a small distance between them and App. Where the Diamond Apps faced trouble was in 0-for-4 hitting with runners in scoring position.
The Mountaineers will try to steal one in the regular season finale as they take on Coastal Carolina in Game Three at 1 p.m.
