Boxscore
HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Saint Augustine's College led most of the way before losing 7-5 to Coker Thursday in its season opener at Tom J. New Field.
The contest was a stark contrast to last year's opener for the Falcons when Coker won 21-7. The Falcons rebounded to post a 35-19 mark and capture the 2010 CIAA championship.
On Thursday, senior shortstop Rashad Ingram (Savannah, Ga.) of the Falcons was 3-for-5 with two runs scored, and junior leftfielder Wayne Lewis (Charlotte, N.C.) was 1-for-4 with two RBIs, two runs scored and two stolen bases. Sophomore first baseman David Nelson (Richton Park, Ill.) was 2-for-3 with one RBI and senior catcher Josh Bishop (Richmond, Va.) was 1-for-3 with one RBI for the Falcons, who was in front most of the game.
The Falcons led 5-4 entering the bottom of the eight inning, but Nick Fuoco of Coker smacked a bases-loaded three-run double with one out for the final margin. Matt Bowman pitched the eighth inning to pick up the win for the Cobras (1-1 overall) while losing pitcher Alex Didio (Soph./Newport News, Va.) tossed a five-hitter and struck out eight while walking two in 7.1 innings. Chris Garcia pitched the ninth inning to get the save for Coker.
For Coker, Fuoco was 2-for-4 with three RBIs and one run scored. Tyler Witzel was 1-for-3 with three RBIs.
The Falcons built a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Lewis singled to score Ingram, who reached base on a double. Lewis scored on Nelson's RBI single. The Falcons added another run in the third inning when senior centerfielder Joe Pierce (Wetumpka, Ala.) scored a fielding error. Bishop was credited with the RBI.
The Cobras scored four runs in the fourth inning to take a 4-3 lead. The Falcons responded with two runs in the top of the seventh inning. Lewis was credited with an RBI on a fielding error that scored Ingram. Wayne then scored from third base when the Cobras picked off sophomore third baseman Ariel Polanco (Harlem, N.Y.) on first base. The 5-4 Falcon lead held until Fuoco's double.
The Falcons host Saint Paul's in a CIAA doubleheader Wednesday in their home opener. The first game starts at 1 p.m. at Buffaloe Road Park.
