FRANKLIN SPRINGS, Ga. | Cole Huddleston went 4-5 with a double; however, a four-run ninth inning from Emmanuel (Ga.) University edged Georgia College & State University 13-12 in a non-conference Division II baseball game Wednesday (Feb. 11) at Tommy Carey Field.
The Bobcats fell to 1-6, while the Lions improved to 2-5. GCSU returns with its first conference action in the form of a three-game set against No. 29 University of North Georgia, with the first game at 5 p.m. Friday (Feb. 13) at John Kurtz Field.
The Bobcats opened up the scoring with a four-run second inning, as a bases-loaded walk to Blake Bellflower drove in the first run of the contest, and Huddleston drove in two on a base hit to right center.
The Lions answered back with three of their own, as Davis Roesler drove in a pair on a double for himself. Rand Bestermann doubled in a pair in the fourth; however, Emmanuel used a big bottom half of the inning to tie things at six, with Reece Kingeter tripling in the tying run.
The Lions took their first lead in the contest, as Roesler scored while the Bobcats tried to catch Alex Espinoza stealing. A three-run seventh inning gave GCSU the lead back with Huddleston driving in his third run to put the Bobcats up 11-7.
Emmanuel put it within two in the bottom of the seventh, but Huddleston added another insurance run in the top of the ninth, scoring on a wild pitch.
The Lions worked the bases loaded with no outs in the bottom of the ninth, and Aidan Feather drove in the first run. A pinch-hit two-run double from Aiden Malish sealed the deal for Emmanuel.
Luke Hopper (1-1) collected the two final outs of the top of the ninth to come away with the victory. Griffin Davis (0-1) gave up the final four runs against the Lions, not able to come away with an out.
Huddleston's four hits led the Bobcats, with Evan Cowan and Carson Vick also having multi-hit performances.
Both teams combined for 11 errors.
About GCSU Athletics
Owning the top Academic Success Rate among all public colleges and universities in Division II for five consecutive academic years, the Georgia College Department of Athletics sponsors 11 varsity athletic programs at the NCAA Division II level. GCSU Athletics has won six consecutive Presidents' Awards for Academic Excellence, and are two-time winners of the PBC Commissioner's Cup and four-time winners of the PBC Institution of the Year Sportsmanship Award. As a Division II program, Bobcat Athletics prides itself on balancing the life of the student-athlete, evidenced by the teams' continued appearances in postseason competition as well as high-level academic success and community-service involvement. Bobcat Athletics embodies the mantra of "Graduating Champions for Life." Sign up at @GCSUBobcats on all social media outlets for up-to-the-minute reports or subscribe to the
GSCU Athletics e-newsletter to receive the latest news, schedule updates and to interact with GCSU Athletics.
