Armstrong Atlantic State senior right-hander Ethan Bader tied the Pirate career record with his 29th win, hurling a complete-game, 12-strikeout performance during an 8-2 victory over No. 24-ranked UNC Pembroke on Sunday at Pirate Field. The Braves won the nightcap, 7-2.
AASU’s win also clinched a berth into the upcoming Peach Belt Conference tournament for the Pirates (24-15, 15-12 PBC). The Pirates’ nine-game win streak ended in the nightcap.
In the first game, Bader improved to 9-1 while notching his second consecutive complete game (fourth of the season) and tying a season-high with his 12 strikeouts.
GEORGIA SOUTHERN 4-2,
SAMFORD 2-7
STATESBORO — Georgia Southern split a doubleheader with Samford in Southern Conference action. The Eagles are 27-15, 9-9 in conference play.
In the opener, Josh Wirsu tosses eight solid innings, and Garrett Chapman hit a go ahead sacrifice fly in the eighth inning as the Eagles prevailed. Wirsu (8-2) picked up his eighth win of the season and allowed five hits, two runs, three walks and struck out nine.
In the nightcap, Samford rebounded behind a five-run fourth inning and solid pitching from reliever Parker Curry.
SOFTBALL
AASU 4, FRANCIS MARION 1
COLUMBUS STATE 8, AASU 5
FLORENCE, S.C. — No. 19 and second-seeded Armstrong Atlantic State split action in the Peach Belt Conference tournament on Saturday, defeating host and seventh-seeded Francis Marion in the quarterfinals but falling to sixth-seeded Columbus State in the semifinals.
Haley Ellis and Kacie Patterson were named to the all-tournament team.
The Pirates (30-12) will now await word of a possible at-large berth into the NCAA Championships, to be announced at 10 a.m. May 5 on NCAA.com.
MEN’S GOLF
GSU tied for 3rd
PINEHURST, N.C. — Will Evans shot a 1-under-par 71 in the first round of the Southern Conference Men’s Golf Championships at National Golf Club Sunday afternoon, and Georgia Southern is tied for third after the first day of action.
Georgia Southern posted a 296 (8 over) and is tied with Furman, two strokes behind Western Carolina and Davidson.
Western Carolina’s J.T. Poston leads the tournament after firing a 4-under 68, and Davidson’s David Sargent shot a 70. Evans is tied for third with Roy Dixon of UNCG at 71.
WOMEN’S GOLF
SSU in MEAC Showcase
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Savannah State finished fourth overall in the MEAC showcase with a score of 749 (374, 375). Senior Michelle Gifford led the Tigers with a two-round total of 179 (89, 90), tying for 11th place.
Jocelyn Williams shot a 181 (88, 93), tying for 13th place. Courtney Newton shot a 189, followed by Bianca Anderson (200), and Abigale Drew (211).