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Johnson City, Tenn. -- Xavier catcher Ed Bongard hit a three-run double in the ninth to tie the game and later scored the game-winning run as the Musketeers won the final game of the 2001 Pirate Club Classic, 15-14 at ETSUs Cardinal Park.
Second baseman Jeff Crandell had another stellar game, going 3-5 with five runs scored. Bongard finished the game 4-6 with five RBI. Jarrett Sues hurled 5.1 innings to pick up the win.
Xavier (3-4) loaded the bases in the first and scored three runs on four hits. The first three batters -- Ryan Schreen, Lucas Dines and Crandell -- reached and later scored off Buccaneer starter Matt Hensley.
ETSU also loaded the bases in the first, as the first three reached, on two walks and a single. The Bucs leading hitter, senior Nathan Copeland, cleared the bases with a double to right center. Copeland later scored on a Kirk Keithley double. ETSU scored six in the frame, aided by two Xavier errors.
The Musketeers closed the gap to 6-4 with a run in the third when Crandell scored on a Bongard single. The Bucs extended their lead with a four-run fourth. The frame was highlighted by a three-run blast from sophomore Chad Boruff that sailed over the wall in right center.
Xavier struck back with four in the top of the sixth to make the score 10-8. After one out, the Musketeers strung together three hits and two walks. Alec Moss (walk) and Marc Andres (single) drove in the first two. The third and fourth runs of the inning scored on an error by Buc second baseman Brandon Cross.
The visitors tied the game at 10-10 with two runs in the seventh. Second baseman Crandell hit an RBI double and later scored on a Marc Andres single. ETSU regained the lead in the home half of the seventh when designated hitter Bryan Crouse worked a sacrifice fly to score John Gorton. Gorton entered the game as a pinch runner for Boruff who had doubled to lead off the frame.
Copeland continued his hot bat with a two-run single in the eighth that increased the lead to 13-10. Copeland scored the 14th run on a double by centerfielder Keithley. Copeland finished the game 4-5 with five RBI and three runs scored.
Xavier mounted a furious two-out rally with five runs in the top of the ninth. After the bases were loaded Ed Bongard doubled to right field that scored three. Kevin Cave singled to bring home Bongard and give the Musketeers the 15-14 win.
The Bucs return to action at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 28 when they play at Tennessee.