May 17, 2008

Final Stats

TAMPA, Fla. - The Catawba College Indians (43-17) smashed their way to a 14-3 victory over fifth-seeded Carson-Newman (43-18) in Saturday night's game of the NCAA Division II Baseball South Regional, sending them to tomorrow's championship match-up against host Tampa.

Eagles pitching could not match up to the Indian offense, who put up five runs in the first inning alone. Lead-off David Thomas took a 1-0 pitch over the left field wall to start the game for Catawba, who never relinquished the lead. Eagles starter Charlie Hill (2-3) lasted just one-third of an inning. Hill issued a one out walk to Jerry Sands before catcher Ryan Query hit a long triple, scoring Sands and ending Hill's short outing.

Catawba also collected homeruns from Chad Baker and Bubba Morris, the first of his career. Five Indians posted multi-hit games against the Eagles, including Baker (3), Sands (3), Craig Lyerly (3), Brett Hatley (4), and Matt Kepley (2).

The Indians received a much better start from their right-hander. Tim Holmes (5-1) tossed his first complete game for Catawba, allowing three runs on seven hits for the win. Carson-Newman second baseman Langdon Potts did manage a homerun off Holmes in the third to bring the score to 5-1, but it wouldn't be enough for the Eagles.

Catawba will now face off against the top-seeded University of Tampa tomorrow at 1 p.m. in the championship game. They will need to defeat Tampa twice to win the South Regional. The Eagles end their season with a school record-setting 43 wins.