PRESBYTERIAN RALLIES PAST RATTLERS, 10-9 IN EXTRA INNINGS :: Potential game-tying run thrown out at third to end comeback bid in bottom of 11th

Potential game-tying run thrown out at third to end comeback bid in bottom of 11th

March 6, 2008

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The Florida A&M Rattler Baseball team saw its 11th inning rally fall just short here Thursday, as Presbyterian College won a 10-9 thriller at Moore-Kittles Field.

Florida A&M (1-8) scored three runs in the bottom of the eighth to build a 6-1 lead over the Blue Hose (5-5), but the visitors staged a five-run rally in the top of the ninth to force extra innings.

In the top of the 10th, Presbyterian shortstop Zach Rhinesmith lashed an RBI single to right, scoring Jared Combs for a 7-6 lead.

FAMU tied the game in the bottom of the inning, 7-7, when Corey McFadden belted a solo home run to left field.

Casey Carlson drove in a run in with a single to give Presbyterian an 8-7 lead in the top of the 11th. The Blue Hose went on to score two more runs in the 11th to take a 10-7 lead.

However, the Rattlers fought back into contention again in the bottom of the frame, as Darryl Evans reached first base on a throwing error to start off, then advanced to second. Steve Cunningham then drove in Evans on a with a single cutting Presbyterian's lead to 10-8.

Tim Schalch then singled, moving Cunningham to second. Thaddous McBurrows then singled to right field driving in Cunningham to cut the Blue Hose lead to 10-9.

Schalch advanced to third on McBurrows' single, putting the tying run 90 feet away from home plate with no outs. Presbyterian switched pitchers, putting in reliever Zach Snpies, who struck out the next two batters.

The Rattlers' rally fell short when Schalch was caught trying to steal home.

FAMU finished the game with 14 hits, as McBurrows and Tim Jones had three hits, while McFadden and Evans had two hits.

Presbyterian managed 13 hits with Drew Wingo leading with three hits, followed by Jesse Harmon, Zac Rhinesmith and Robert Anders with two hits apiece.

Zach Snipes (1-0) was the winning pitcher for PC, working three and one-third innings of relief, allowing six runs, while Andrew Cockerham fanning two in the 11th to pick up his first save. Julian Bailey (0-1) took the loss for FAMU, giving up three runs in one and one-third innings with one strikeout.

WHAT'S NEXT: FAMU will close the two-game series with Presbyterian College Friday at 1:00 p.m. at Moore-Kittles Field.