GCAC Tournament Day 1 wrap-up
May 04, 2006
Shreveport, LA---Day 1 at the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Tournament provided a little bit of everything; outstanding defensive plays, great pitching, competitive contests, and the long ball, courtesy of the William Carey College Crusaders.
Game one featured a see-saw battle between the No. 1 seeded Belhaven College Blazers and the No. 6 seed Spring Hill College Badgers. GCAC pitcher of the year Brad Fultz surrendered 10 runs, however, some defensive miscues by the Blazer defense led to six runs being unearned. GCAC Player of the Year Thomas Royals belted four hits including two doubles, four runs scored, and two RBI in the loss.
Jeremy Koen put forth a solid start and also added two hits and an RBI while teammate Josh Coleman collected three hits including two RBI doubles as the Badgers went on to upset the Blazers, 11-8.
The Crusaders proved they were a force to be reckoned with in the GCAC Tournament as they disposed of the UM Rams by a final score of 10-0 in seven innings. Gregg Alexander, Michael Orso, Elliot Burch, and Martin Roark all went deep for the Crusaders who belted out 12 hits in the contest. Josh Johnson tossed a complete game shutout allowing just four hits while striking out six.
Look for the Rams to respond with a bang Thursday in their contest against cross town rival SHC which is scheduled for 3:30pm. GCAC 2nd-Team All-Conference selection Jason Ragan is the probable starter for the Rams which sets up a highly anticipated contest between the two teams.
The night cap proved to be the game of the day as LSUS and LU went down to the wire trying to put together any kind of offense they could find against two outstanding starting pitching performances by LSUS’ Kevin Jewell, and LU’s Sal Greco.
Greco held the Pilots scoreless through 5.0 innings before falling victim to a throwing error of his own, allowing the Pilots to score twice in the 6th inning to take a 2-0 lead.
Brandon Magierowski delivered a bases loaded two RBI single in the 8th which put the game out of reach as Jewell held the Wolfpack offense to just two hits through 9.0 innings.
The Wolfpack will have to respond in a big way as they face elimination Thursday against the No. 1 seeded Blazers at 12:00pm.
LSUS advances to the winners bracket where they will meet the WCC Crusaders. The two teams each swept the regular season three game series at their respective home ball parks. Game time is scheduled for 7:00pm.
Catch all the updated scores and play-by-play with the voice of the Pilots, Marc Cantrel at www.gcactournament.com.
