Eagles defeat West Virginia at home

Layne Saliba

Caleb Pressey got his first win of the season versus West Virginia University (2-2) en route to Georgia Southern University’s (4-1) 7-4 victory on Friday.

Senior LF Hunter Thomas led the way at the plate for the Eagles after going 3-4 and recording his second home run of the season. He along with freshman DH Will Hudgins added two RBI apiece on the night as well.

It looked like it was going to be a long, cold night for the Eagles as the game began. West Virginia was able to record four early runs in the second inning while Georgia Southern was stuck at zero.

Then the third inning rolled around, and the Eagles found a way to get two runs across the plate.

Senior CF Kody Adams walked and a pitch hit Hudgins, the next man up. Following the hit by pitch, Senior RF Aaron Mizell walked to load the bases for the Eagles. That is when Georgia Southern took advantage.

Senior C Chase Griffin hit a sacrifice fly to left field, which scored Adams. Right after, Thomas singled through the right side and scored Hudgins. This cut the Mountaineers’ lead down to 4-2.

In the fifth inning, West Virginia was able to get a hit, but Georgia Southern recorded two hits and scored one to close the gap 4-3.

The next inning may have been the most impressive for the Eagles, however. Thomas led off the inning with a solo home run to right center, tying the game at four runs each.

Thomas’ homerun seemed to rattle West Virginia’s pitcher as he walked and hit the next two batters. Then, the Mountaineers’ pitcher threw a wild pitch that advanced those runners. The pitcher then intentionally walked Adams in hopes of striking out Hudgins.

However, that did not go so well for the Mountaineers. Hudgins singled up the middle scoring sophomore 1B Ryan Cleveland and junior 3B Spencer Duffie. Moments later, another wild pitch scored Adams.

From that point on there was no more scoring and Georgia Southern sealed the 7-4 victory over the Big 12 opponent.

The Eagles will take on West Virginia again at 1 p.m. on Saturday for game two of the series at J.I. Clements Stadium.