Bucs rally in ninth for 5-4 win over Hofstra

Neil Krock's first hit of the season tied the game in ninth

CHARLESTON, S.C. - Charleston Southern scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to take a 5-4 victory over Hofstra University on Saturday afternoon at Buccaneer Field.

Third baseman Wes Brundridge was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded and one out in the ninth to bring home pinch-runner Hunter Ruoss with the deciding run.

Charleston Southern improved to 3-9 on the season while Hofstra dropped to 0-10 on the season.

Sophomore pinch-hitter Neil Krock delivered a bases loaded one out single to right to score two runs and tie the game at four. Hofstra elected to load the bases with an intentional walk to Sean Doherty but the strategy backfired when Brundridge was hit with a 1-1 pitch.

CSU managed nine hits, two by leftfielder Justin Fyle. Keith Stewart also had an RBI single for the Bucs.

CSU starter Ryan Sowers pitched into the ninth, allowing three earned runs in 8 1/3 innings of work. CSU's third pitcher, freshman Brandon Roberts, earned the victory with 2/3 inning of scoreless work in the ninth.

Hofstra starter Will DeVito was splendid for seven innings, allowing just seven hits and two runs. The loss went to Jeff Denlea who allowed two runs in 1/3 inning of work in the ninth.

CSU returns to action on Sunday, hosting George Mason University at 1 pm. The game is scheduled to be played at Collins Park in North Charleston but impending weather could change the venue.