Beaver Picks up First Win of Spring Training

Myrtle Beach, SC -- Beaver wins thriller against Ancilla College, 8-6.

After letting the Chargers score two to open the game, Beaver was quick to answer in the bottom of the inning.  With one out, the next three batters for Beaver reached safely thanks to missteps by Ancilla including two hit by pitch and a walk.  Scott Hughes got credit for the first RBI, reaching safely on an error.  With the bases still loaded, Zach Cossette earned the second RBI of the inning reaching safely on a fielder's choice.  But it was Shelton Hilliard with a clutch triple who scored the final two runs in the inning, giving Beaver a 4-2 lead.  

The second and third were scoreless on both sides and Ancilla finally answered in the fourth with a run and another pair in the fifth to take a 5-4 lead.  They added another in the top of the sixth to take a 6-4 lead, but Beaver wasn't going down without a fight.  A one out single from Hughes put a runner on for Hilliard who came through with another big hit, doubling to score Hughes to bring Beaver within one.  Mitch Lazzaretti followed up with a triple to score Shelton, tying the game at 6-6. 

The Lions held the Chargers scoreless in the seventh and then came into the seventh ready to win.  With one out, Matt Capo doubled and Ty Cole singled to put runners on the corners.  With Justyn Francona coming to the plate, Ancilla opted to intentionally walk him to load the bases, hoping for the force play at home.  But Scott Hughes had different plans as he hit a deep ball that looked like it was headed into foul territory, but with the winds blowing in from the third base side, it landed fair and hopped the fence for a ground rule double walk off hit to win the game, 8-6.

Leading the offense were Hilliard who went 2 for 3 with 3 RBI's and Hughes who was 2 for 4 with 3 RBI's and the walk off winner. 

Beaver returns to action tomorrow night as they face Ocean Community College at 6:00 p.m.