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Johnson City, Tenn. – The University of Evansville Purple Aces baseball team scored five runs in the top of the third inning, but could not hold off a ninth inning rally by the host East Tennessee State University Buccaneers on Saturday, falling by a score of 9-8 at Cardinal Park in Johnson City, Tennessee.
East Tennessee opened the scoring in the bottom of the first inning on a solo home run by Paul Hoilman. The lead would not last long, as the Aces would explode for five runs in the top of the third. After Jim Viscomi doubled to right field, Viscomi proceeded to steal third base and home to notch Evansville’s first run of the game. The Aces used the long ball to score the remaining four runs in the inning, on a three run home run by Cody Fick and a solo shot by Greg Wallace, to increase the lead to 5-1.
After ETSU closed the gap to 5-3 by scoring a run in both the third and fourth innings, Alex Acheson smashed a triple to left field to score Tom Heithoff to widen to lead to 6-3.
The Aces surrendered home runs in both the sixth and seventh innings, as Ben Allen would launch a two-run shot in the sixth and Bo Reeder would send a solo shot out of the park in the seventh to put ETSU up 7-6.
Down by one run entering the ninth, Evansville rallied for two runs. After Acheson and Viscomi hit back-to-back singles, Andy Smith would knock in Acheson on an RBI groundout. Andy Pascoe would follow with a single up the middle to knock in Viscomi, putting the Aces on top 8-7 heading into the bottom of the ninth.
The Bucs tied the game in the ninth, scoring their first run on a double play groundout and the game winner four batters later on a bases loaded walk.
“We competed well again today,” said UE head coach Wes Carroll. “I thought that we did a good job of executing at the plate, and guys really battled hard and I liked the energy and enthusiasm that the team played with.
“We still need to learn how to win though. The good thing is though is that it is early, and if we continue to play with the same type of energy and enthusiasm that we did today, the wins will come. I am sure of it.”
Evansville (0-2) and East Tennessee (2-0) will conclude their series Sunday. First pitch is set for 1:00 p.m.