Pirates Score Four In Ninth To Down Salem Int'l, 13-12

SAVANNAH, Ga. - The Armstrong Atlantic State baseball squad survived a wild ninth inning, scoring four times in the bottom of the frame to pick up a 13-12 victory over visiting Salem International on Sunday, sweeping the opening weekend series from the Tigers.

The Pirates (3-0) looked like they had the series in hand as they scored two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning for insurance, taking a 9-4 lead into the top of the ninth inning. 

The Tigers (0-3), however, sent 14 men to the plate in the ninth, scoring eight runs off of AASU closer Ryan Smith to take a 12-9 lead. Michael Holbert drove in a pair of runs with a single and three different Salem International players drew bases-loaded walks against Smith. Sophomore Jesse Osborne (1-0) relieved Smith and retired two batters, striking out one, to get the Pirates out of the inning.

Salem International brought in center fielder Josh DeMattos to start the ninth and the Pirates rallied against Demattos as John Roberts and Cameron Scott reached on back-to-back singles. Justin Harris walked to load the bases and after one out, Auston Thomas was hit by a pitch to bring in the first run of the frame. Michael Price then doubled to left center, driving in two runs to tie the game at 12-all.

Robert Smith relieved DeMattos for the Tigers and intentionally walked Josh Wilson to load the bases with one out. Smith then hit Alex Wyche on a 2-1 pitch to drive home the winning run and give the Pirates the victory.

DeMattos (0-1) gave up three hits and all four ninth-inning runs in 1/3 inning pitched to take the loss for the Tigers, while Osborne picked up the victory in relief for the Pirates.

Wyche finished the day 1-for-3 with three RBIs and four stolen bases for the Pirates. Price went 3-for-4 with four RBIs and two stolen bases, while Josh Wilson went 2-for-3 with three walks and a pair of steals. 

Salem International was led by DeMattos, who went 3-for-3 with three walks scored, as well as Irving de la Concha, who went 3-for-4 with a double and also went 4 2/3 innings on the mound, giving up three hits and two runs.

The Pirates return to action on Friday, February 12, with a 2:00 p.m. contest against Southern Indiana at Pirate Field.