March 23, 2007

Box Score

The Bisons held a short-lived 1-0 lead in their first conference game of the season, but could not hold on as they were defeated 7-3 at Gardner-Webb on Friday, March 23.

Casey Bond led off the second with a single to the pitcher, before advancing to second on a ground out by Shane Simpkins. A Bulldogs' error, put runners on the corners for Justin Sanders, who drove in the first run of the game with a groundout to second.

However, the Bulldogs struck for three runs of their own in the bottom of the inning and three in the fourth to grab a 6-1 lead.

The Bisons got a run back with a run in the sixth. With one out, Bond singled through the left side, before promptly stealing second. One out later, Ryan Wilkins doubled to left field, scoring Bond, and bringing the score to 6-2.

Lipscomb pulled to within three with a final run in the seventh. Branden Cadavid led off the inning with a single to center. One out later, Allen Bolden singled to left, advancing Cadavid to second. Kevin Gavigan followed with a single to left, loading the bases for Caleb Joseph. Joseph recorded the Bisons' fourth single of the inning, scoring Cadavid, to bring the score to 6-3.

Bisons' starter, Rob Smithson, recorded the loss to drop his record to 3-2. In four innings, he gave up six runs on seven hits, while striking out four.

Right-hander, Charles Williams, threw the final four innings for the Bisons, allowing just one run on three hits.

The Bisons' are back in action, when they take on Gardner-Webb in a double-header on Saturday, March 24. Game one is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.

Right-hander, Brandon McClurg, is expected to take the mound for the Bisons in game one. On the season, McClurg is 2-1 with a 2.23 ERA. In 32.1 innings, he has given up just eight earned runs, while striking out 29. Opponents are batting just .200 against him.

In game two, left-hander, Rex Brothers, will make the start. On the season, Brothers is 4-1 with a 4.55 ERA.