SHC Holds off Late Belhaven Rally, Wins 3-1

Spring Hill College scored three runs in the first inning and then held off a ninth inning rally by Belhaven College to take a 3-1 victory at Stan Galle Field on Friday night.

The Badgers opened the game with a leadoff double that skipped over third base and into the left field corner by right fielder Ryan Hall followed by a run-scoring single by designated hitter Tyler Moberg.  First baseman Brad Holstein then ripped a double into left-center field that left runners at second and third.  Catcher Billy Saliski reached base off a misplayed grounder by Blazer first baseman Bryan Bennett that allowed Moberg to score.  Left fielder Sam Stewart completed the scoring with a sacrifice fly to left that plated Holstein.

Badger starter Matt Hasley (3-4) fell into a groove early and allowed the Blazers just four hits and three walks with three strikeouts in 6.1 innings of work.  With a runner on first in the seventh, Hasley handed the game to reliever Todd Kline who recorded his first save of the year with 2.2 innings of work, three strikeouts, no walks and five hits allowed.

The Blazers scored their lone run in the eighth off Kline when a first and third situation with no outs resulted in a run-scoring groundout to third base, a fly ball to right and an inning ending strike out by designated hitter Hunter Robinson.  In the ninth with one out, Kline surrendered consecutive singles, but took a first-to-short force out at second base and a swinging strikeout by Blazer left fielder Reg Ott to end the threat and the game.

At the plate for SHC, Hall, Harrison and Holstein each had a pair of hits with both of Hall’s hits being doubles.  For Belhaven, Ott, Bennett, shortstop Chris Hartfield and second baseman Blaise King each recorded a pair of safeties.

Brian Legnon (7-5) took the loss for BC with seven complete innings of work seven hits, one walk and seven strikeouts.

Spring Hill College (18-29, 11-19 GCAC) plays Belhaven (35-13, 20-10 GCAC) again Saturday at Stan Galle Field beginning at 1 p.m.  The Badgers will celebrate the final regular season home games of 2008 by recognizing its five senior players before the first game.