Panthers topple nationally-ranked N.C. Wesleyan
April 1, 2008

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. – LaGrange got timely defensive plays and hits to down N.C. Wesleyan 3-1 on Tuesday at Bauer Field. It was the first of a two-game series between the Panthers and the 23rd-ranked Battling Bishops.

Wesleyan (21-8-1) outhit the Panthers (15-11) 11-6 in the game and left nine runners on in the game. The Panthers turned three double plays in the game and committed only one error.

Justin Phelps started for the Panthers and pitched six scoreless innings. He scattered nine hits, walked three and struck out two. Phelps got out of a bases-loaded jam in the fourth by getting Daniel Moore to hit into an inning ending double play. Shortstop Blake Allen saved a run in the fifth. He made a diving stop of Jason Gay's hit up the middle to get the final out of the inning on a force play at second.

The Panthers were held to two hits in the first five innings by the Bishops' Jonathan Lucas. With the help of an error, the Panthers got the game's first run in the top of the sixth inning. Trey Walker ended up at second base after reaching on an error with one out. With two outs, Seth Tucker singled to center to drive in Walker for a 1-0 lead.

Wesleyan tied the game in the bottom of the seventh inning off reliever Ben Hudson (2-2). Matt Smith led off the inning with a double and later scored on Chris Pecora's base hit.

The Panthers came back with two runs in the top of the eighth inning. Corbin Clinage beat out an infield single to lead off the inning. He moved up to second on a sacrifice bunt and over to third on Michael Sim's double to right center off the glove of Smith in a diving attempt at the catch. Clinage scored on Tucker's fly out to center. Patrick Langley's two-out hit drove in Sims to put the Panthers up 3-1.

Jonathan Chapman pitched two scoreless innings to seal the win and get his first save of the season. He hit Luke Williford to start the ninth inning. Chapman got Moore to fly out and Smith to hit into a game-ending double play.