LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN -- The Covenant College Scots took 2 wins out of 3 against the Atlanta Christian College Chargers over the weekend. Friday, the Scots traveled to Atlanta and won 9-2. Saturday, they returned home and split the double-header, losing game one 5-4 but cruising in game two for the 7-0 win. The Chargers were the 2010 NCCAA national champs at the division II level, and the Scots now improve to 4-1 against such teams, having swept Toccoa Falls College in a two game series earlier this year.
Game one saw Tyler Smith continue his domination. In his 8th start of the season, he pitched 7 innings, giving up just 2 runs (1 earned) and striking out 3. He gave up 10 hits but controlled the damage all game. He improved to a team leading 8-0, and continues to lead the NCCAA in wins.
Shane Ludwick and Demarius Johnson each pitched a scoreless frame in relief. Johnson had 2 strike-outs and has an impressive 44 strike-outs in 27 innings.
Luke Furuto had the big blow for the offense. With the score at 2-1 in the top of the 4th, he came up with bases loaded and promptly unloaded them with a three run triple.
Taylor Oldham got a hit, a walk, and scored three runs. He also stole 2 bases, giving him a team high 18 on the year.
Harrison Fisher and David Lockwood each got a double and 2 hits apiece. Fisher also collected 2 RBIs to his total.
Game one on Saturday saw a nail biter. Both teams pounded out 11 hits, but in the end saw the Scots on the wrong side of a 6-5 loss.
Andre Glover took the loss in his five innings. He did not get much help as evidence of 3 Scots errors resulting in 4 unearned runs. He left in the 5th inning, after giving up 5 runs (1 earned) and striking out 5. His record is 5-2, and he has a 1.98 ERA to go with that.
Brian Simons finished the game, yielding 1 run in 3 innings of work.
Furuto continued to swing a hot stick in the series, compiling 3 hits. Sterling Witt had a good day at the plate, going 2 for 2 with a walk.
Taylor Oldham hit his 7th home-run of the year, as he is quickly on his way to another stellar season.
The loss was just Covenant's 4th loss this year at home.
But Covenant won the rubber match with ease 7-0.
Wes McDowell, who has been on fire on the mound, pitched 6 shutout innings. He has a scoreless streak of 17 straight innings and struck out 5 and walked just 1. He improved to 3-0.
Johnson pitched a scoreless 7th inning and struck-out 2.
Oldham hit his second home run of the day, and his 8th of the year. He also added 2 stolen bases.
James Rollins, Witt and Fisher each had 2 hits. Rollins had 2 doubles and leads the team with 10 total.
Covenant improved to 14-4 at home, and 17-8 overall.
Their next game is in Atlanta against Oglethorpe University on Tuesday starting at 6:00pm.
