Defense Fails Bucs in 11-1 Loss to Western Carolina

Anthony Hayes scored the lone CSU run

CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Buccaneers committed seven errors in an 11-1 loss to Western Carolina Sunday afternoon at Collins Park.

The Buccaneers took two games in the three game series, bringing their record to 6-10 on the season. The Catamounts move to 5-4 with Sunday’s win.

Catamount pitcher Brock Thornburg kept the CSU offense at bay, pitching six innings and striking out six CSU batters. The only run allowed by Thornburg was scored in the second inning when an error by the second baseman put Anthony Hayes on base. A balk and two wild pitches later, and CSU was on the board without a hit.

With a 2-1 lead going into the third inning, the Catamounts took advantage of three errors to extended their advantage to five (6-1). Grey Gregory had a leadoff single, stole second, advanced to third on an error and scored on Shaft's single. After Murphy moved Shaft up on a ground out and Shaft advanced to third on a wild pitch, McDaniel delivered an RBI single to right. Scott Ward kept the inning alive by reaching on a fielder's choice and advancing to second due to a throwing error on the play. Greene put runners on the corners with an infield single. Greene stole second and Ward scored on the play when the throw to second went into center field. Even though Andy John struck out swinging, the Cats had runners on first and third once again as John reached on a passed ball. Western capped the inning with a double steal, allowing Greene to score.

After giving up the big inning, the Bucs were never able to get any offense going as they recorded just four hits on the day.

Buccaneer Pitcher D.J. Thornburg took the loss for the Bucs as he went six innings, striking our four and allowing four earned runs.

The Buccaneers host St. John’s on Tuesday at Buccaneer field. The first pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.