Brundridge's leadoff homer sets pace as Bucs tame Tigers, 7-2

Brundridge homered to start the year and scored twice

Charleston Southern right fielder Wes Brundridge couldn’t have dreamed of a better way to start the season. His leadoff homer was part of a three-run first inning to lift CSU (1-0) over Savannah State, 7-2, in the Bucs’ 2007 baseball opener.

The 5-11 senior sent the full count pitch over the 365’ sign in left center as a part of a two-for-five, two-run day. David Perkins and Mark Perry each had RBI singles in the first, with Perry duplicating that feat in the second. Steven Herzog sacrificed to center to score the Bucs’ fourth run, plating Brundridge, and Chris Krogmeier drove in Justin Fyle.

Savannah State (3-4) starting pitcher Patrick Ballew (0-2) found his rhythm after the first two innings, going the distance and allowing only one more run in the fifth. Krogmeier reached on a leadoff double and scored on Lionel Greene’s RBI groundout. Ballew allowed seven runs (all earned) and fifteen hits, and struck out five.

The Tigers put three batters aboard with two singles and a walk in the final frame, netting two runs off a one-out fielding error.

Ryan Rowland (1-0) earned the win for Charleston Southern, allowing five hits and fanning nine in six innings. T.J. Green picked up the save, allowing one earned run and three hits.

Charleston Southern continues its home stand with a 2 p.m. start against Delaware State on Friday.