CHARLESTON, S.C. – North Carolina A&T junior Justin Rodriguez blasted a 2-2 pitch over the left-field wall in the eighth inning to help the Aggies salvage a baseball doubleheader split against the College of Charleston Sunday afternoon at CSU Ballpark.
Charleston won the first game 14-2, but the Aggies used the Rodriguez home run to win Game 2, 4-3.
"The team really stuck with the game and answered each time (Charleston) scored," said A&T coach Ben Hall. "We got some better at-bats in big situations. It was great to see J-Rod with the go-ahead home run in the eighth."
In Game 2, the Aggies fell behind 1-0 in the first inning. The Aggies responded with a run in both the second and third inning to claim a 2-1 advantage. The Cougars tied the game in the bottom of the fourth on a double steal of second and home.
A&T would not trail again, however. They reclaimed the lead in the top of the fifth, 3-2. Senior shortstop Dustin Baber singled through the right side to start the frame. Sophomore outfielder Cameran Brantley drew a walk, and junior infielder Justin Williams laid down a sacrifice bunt to put runners on second and third with one out.
Freshman Connor Knapp grounded out to third base but scored Baber to give the Aggies the lead before junior infielder Zach McLean struck out to end the inning.
Charleston tied the game again in the bottom of the sixth, and it stayed knotted heading into the eighth inning. With two outs, Rodriguez, a preseason All-MEAC second-team outfielder, stepped up to the plate and blasted the go-ahead home run.
In the second game, N.C. A&T's pitching staff came alive. They got a solid start from senior right-hander (RHP) Cole Parks, who pitched 4.2 innings allowing two runs on six hits with five strikeouts.
Preseason Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) first-team reliever Leon Davidson furthered the cause with 2.1 innings of work, surrendering one run on three hits with three strikeouts. Senior Evan Gates showed why he is on the NCBWA preseason Stopper of the Year Watch List for best NCAA Division I reliever as he went 2.0 innings and allowed only one hit with three strikeouts.
"Leon and Evan are just special," said Hall. "They executed some big pitches, and that's why they are veteran leaders."
In the first game, the Aggies (1-2) got a less-than-ideal start from junior left-hander (LHP) Ethan Chavis, who allowed 10 runs on 10 hits in just three innings pitched with two strikeouts.
"In Game 1, you just have to tip your cap to their offense," said Hall. "They did a good job offensively."
Charleston (2-1) exploded for 12 hits as a team, led by designated hitter Tanner McAlister's 2-for-5 day, including four RBI. Second baseman Joseph Mershon went 1-for-3 with two runs scored and also had four RBI.
"Disappointed in leaving here not winning the series but happy to see the team respond in that third game," said Hall.
The Aggies will take on Liberty University in a midweek contest this Wednesday, Feb. 24, at 4 p.m. in Lynchburg, Va.
