Hot Hitting Pirates Win Eighth Straight With 8-3 Victory Over Concord

SAVANNAH, Ga. - Alex Wyche went 3-for-5 with five RBI and Cody Walden hurled 7 1/3 innings of one-run ball as the Armstrong Atlantic State baseball squad won its eighth straight contest with an 8-3 win over Concord in 2009 Savannah Invitational action at Pirate Field on Wednesday afternoon.

A game which looked like it would be a pitcher's duel between Walden and Concord starter Trey Smith stayed a one-run contest into the sixth inning. AASU's early 1-0 lead came courtesy of a high-hop single by freshman Drew Walker that scored Wyche in the third inning.

Meanwhile, Walden shut down the Mountain Lions (7-3) thanks to some timely defense as the Pirates (14-8) turned three double plays in the first six innings.

AASU gathered a little breathing room in the bottom of the sixth as the Pirates plated the second run of the game on a wild pitch by Smith that scored Michael Price. A batter later, Wyche delivered a two-run home run to center field off of Smith, giving the Pirates a 4-0 lead.

The Pirates then put the game out of reach in the seventh with four runs, all coming off of reliever Devin Smith. With the bases loaded, Smith walked Juan Dorado, driving in one run, then Wyche cleared the bases with a triple off of reliever Chastin Akers.

Concord got all of its runs in the eighth on a three-run home run by Greyson Schram off of AASU reliever Brandon McCreery.

Walden (4-1) picked up the win for AASU, going 7 1/3 innings and giving up eight hits and one run, walking one while striking out four. Trey Smith took the loss for Concord, giving up eight hits and four runs in six innings, walking four and striking out four.

Wyche finished the day with a double, a triple and a home run for five RBIs in a 3-for-5 day. Price and Walker each collected two hits apiece for the Pirates. 

Schram led the Mountain Lions with three hits and three RBI, while Josh Wenger added two hits.

The Pirates and the Mountain Lions will meet again on Thursday at 2:00 p.m. in continuing 2009 Savannah Invitational action at Pirate Field.