DUE WEST, S.C. – Augusta State belted 12 hits for only four runs in the 12-4 loss at Erskine College in Due, West S.C., Tuesday afternoon in a non-conference single game on Grier Field.
Junior JD Sabo jumped on Erskine with a leadoff double in the first inning and sophomore Taylor Camp blasted an RBI-single. Up 1-0, ASU junior Kevin Dodson singled and Sabo delivered with another double for a 2-0 lead. The Flying Fleet weren't quiet long as they compiled a six-hit second hitting for a 5-2 lead, including a two-RBI triple from Brandon Wooten and homerun by Chase Corn.
ASU Head Coach Chris Cooper enlisted a group effort from his bullpen to cut the deficit, but Erskine never relinquished the lead. Jags starter Trey McAvoy pitched 3.0 innings for nine hits and seven runs (six earned) and senior Tyler Ross took over for 2.0 innings of work to allow four hits and three runs (zero earned).
A 7-4 game in the fifth, Erskine rallied when the Jags prolonged the inning with a dropped fly ball in foul territory. Two singles and a safe steal attempt at home plate put the Flying Fleet up 10-4.
ASU freshmen Dalton Reed and Garrett Haskins got in an inning, with Haskins giving up one hit for a two-run homer. Freshman Phil Dukes took over in the eighth to retire the side after the leadoff man reached on an infield error. Dukes allowed no hits and struck out one.
Sabo continued his tear at the plate with a 2-for-3 day (two doubles) for two runs and an RBI. Camp and junior Nathan Crown each had one hit and an RBI while Lance Mangrum and Dodson went 2-for-4 with Dodson earning an RBI.
ASU hosts Lander in a Peach Belt Conference series starting on March 15 at 6:00 p.m. at Lake Olmstead.