Monday, February 21, 2000

Jacksonville, Ala. - The Bucs (1-2) won one of three games at Jacksonville State this weekend. They opened by splitting a doubleheader on Feb. 19 and lost the rubber match on Feb. 20.

In the season-opener, ETSU could only manage three hits and two runs in a 3-2 loss to the Gamecocks. Second baseman Danny Pugh went 1-3 with one RBIs on the afternoon. Shannon Carter pitched a complete game in the seven-inning contest, allowing three earned runs.

ETSU rebounded for a 9-3 win in the second half of the twin-bill. Matt Baber pitched a complete game (seven innings) to earn his first victory of the season. The offense was led by Ed Sparks who went 2-3 with two RBIs. Danny Pugh went 1-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored. The Bucs scored five runs in the third and four in the fourth to complete their scoring.

In the series finale, ETSU rallied for four runs in the top of the ninth to take a 9-8 lead but allowed two ninth-inning runs and lost 10-9. Ed Sparks and Jeremy Terry both drove in two runs. Sparks stroked three hits including the Bucs' first home run of the season. Reid Casey suffered the loss, pitching the final 1.2 innings. Raymond McBride started the game, allowing five runs in 3.1 innings.