EMERSON, Ga. -- Following a pair of lopsided losses earlier in the week to Georgia Highlands College, the Andrew College baseball faced a second test of their season slipping away, and just like the series against ABAC earlier in the year, the Tigers responded with a 9-6 win in game one, then an 8-2 victory in the nightcap, to pull firmly into the final spot in the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association standings, with 9 games to go.
Game one was a see saw battle, as Andrew jumped out to a 5-1 lead after the 2nd, then Highlands bounced back to take a 6-5 lead after the 4th inning. Andrew tied the game in the top of the 6th and went to extra innings. The Tigers then plated 3 runs in the top of the 8th inning and went on to the 9-6 win. Cotton Phillips allowed just 1 hit in 4.0 innings, while striking out 4 to earn his 3rd win of the year, and lowered his ERA to a team leading 2.48. Justin Barr led the Tiger offense, going 4 for 4 with a triple, scoring 3 runs, and picking up 3 RBI. LJ Bryant and Joey Fletcher both went 2 for 5 with 2 RBI, and Matthew Holloway went 2 for 4, as the Tigers pounded out 14 hits.
Daniel Lee was sharp in game two, pitching 4.2 innings, scattering 4 hits and striking out 6, to run his record to 5-2. Chandler Griggs came on in the 5th inning and shut down a Highlands rally, allowing just 2 hits and striking out 2 to close out the 8-2 win. Bryant went 3 for 3 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI, along with his team leading 5th home run of the season. Clint Sellers was 2 for 4 with an RBI, Joey Fletcher, Kevin Henry and Brenton Phillips all singled singled in a run, as eight Tigers had a hit in the balanced attack.
The Tigers are back at the Hord Athletic Complex for a single nine inning game against East Ga. State on Tuesday. First pitch is at 3:00 pm
