FARMVILLE, Va. - North Carolina A&T's baseball team found itself on both sides of 1-run games Saturday. The Aggies lost the first game of a doubleheader against Longwood 7-6 in 10 innings at Bolding Stadium. In the second game, the Aggies squeaked out a 2-1 victory.
The two teams will play another 1 p.m., doubleheader on Sunday, but this time it will be played at War Memorial Stadium in Greensboro.
Senior Nick Oelker had another outstanding performance for the Aggies as he improved to an impressive 6-2 by pitching a complete-game seven hitter with seven strikeouts and just one surrendered earned run. In his last 15 starts dating back to last season, Oelker is 11-4 with a 4.76 ERA.
Despite the strong performance on Saturday, he found himself in bad predicament in the seventh and final inning of the game. Chris Briere started Oelker's troubles by singling to left field. After a sacrifice bunt, a fly ball to center field helped Briere move to third with two outs.
The Aggies intentionally walked Brant Jones, who had three hits in the first game. Longwood's Scott Burkett was then unintentionally walked to load the bases. But Oelker kept his composure, got Justin Lucy to foul out to left field and helped the Aggies (13-24) pick up their fifth win in six games.
Oelker received some help in the third inning. Freshman Craig Erskine doubled to left center field to score Stefan Jordan for a 1-0 Aggies lead. The Lancers tied the game in the fifth with a Michael Sims RBI single to right field.
Luke Tendler played a pivotal part in the Aggies victory as he opened the sixth inning with a single. He moved into scoring position by stealing second. After Xavier Macklin walked, the Lancers turned to Troy Dickman to keep the game tied at 1.
But Michael Radford spoiled that concept as he hit a slow roller to shortstop. Matt Dickason made the scoop, but his throw sailed wide left, allowing Tendler to score to give the Aggies a 1-run advantage.
The Aggies weren't so fortunate in the first game. A throwing error actually went against N.C. A&T in the 10th. With runners on first and second, Dustin Sollars laid down a bunt toward the pitcher's mound. Relief pitcher Garrett Braun picked up the baseball, but his throw was errant. Burkett scored from second for the game-winning run.
Marquis Riley and Andre McKoy had two hits apiece. Tendler and Riley had two RBIs. The Aggies took a 5-0 lead in the fifth inning on a Tendler triple to right field that scored McKoy.
