Marshall defeats CSU, 8-6, in 13 innings

Brian Sole's homerun gave CSU an early lead

CHARLESTON, SC - Charleston Southern's attempt at a third consecutive comeback win came up a little short as the Marshall Thundering Herd took n 8-6, 13-inning victory at Buccaneer Field on Sunday afternoon.

Marshall's Corie O'Bryan delivered a run-scoring single to left with two outs in the top of the 13th inning gave Marshall an 7-6 lead and the Herd held on for their first victory in six outings this season. CSU falls to 2-4 on the season, ending their two-game winning streak.

Chris Cummings, Marshall's third pitcher, earned the victory with two scoreless innings of work. Jordan Haar, CSU's fifth pitcher of the day, took the loss for the Buccaneers.

O'Bryan finished the game with three hits, as did Anthony Frederick. Senior left fielder Francois Larmore had five RBI for the Herd, who had 14 hits in the contest. Charleston Southern got a three-run homerun from leftfielder Brian Sole and two RBI from catcher Scotty Thacker. Jason Rose and Haar each had two hits for the Buccaneers, who tallied eight safeties on the day.

Trailing 1-0 in the second, Sole gave CSU a 3-1 lead with a three-run homer in the second, this after Marshall starter Grant Harper hit Graham Maiden and Thacker with pitches.

Marshall tied the game with a pair of unearned runs in the third when CSU second baseman Adam Brown booted a grounder. Marshall scored three more runs in the seventh with Larmore contributing the big blow with a two-run double down the left field line.

CSU answered with three runs in the bottom of the seventh, all unearned,as Marshall committed two errors. The Bucs tied the game on Thacker's two-out, two-run double.

Harper went seven innings for Marshall, allowing six runs (three earned) on seven hits and striking out four. CSU starter Bobby Parnell went 6 2/3 innings, allowing six runs (two earned) on 10 hits and five strikeouts. All total, both pitching staffs notched 12 strikeouts on the day. The game featured six errors and five hit batsmen.

Charleston Southern returns to action on Thursday, Februrary 26, hosting Furman University, followed by a weekend series against Claflin at Buccaneer Field.