The Saint

Issue date: 2/13/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Denise Ray Controversial play as Saints tag Delta State player out at first

Media Credit: Denise Ray Saints try to maintain lead during recent game against Delta State

Media Credit: Denise Ray Musselwhite pitching early in game against Delta State

The Saints opened their 2009 season with a four-game stint in Dahlonega and one road game, finishing with a record of 2-3.

In the inaugural game in Bob Stein Stadium Feb. 6, the Saints beat Pfeiffer University 4-1 on the strength of a strong pitching performance by sophomore James Wiley.

Wiley pitched seven innings, striking out three and allowing just four hits.

"I really didn't have my best stuff," Wiley said of his first start of the season. "I couldn't really spot my fastball like I wanted to. But my off- speed stuff, my changeup and my curveball, were really really effective. I threw my changeup half the time and for a strike for the most part. I was able to keep the hitters off balance that way."

On the offensive side, Anders Oster had an impressive game. Oster went 2-for-4 with three RBI. Designated hitter Brad Hall knocked in the other run.

On Saturday, the Saints played No. 12 Delta State, winning 11-10 on a walkoff single by Adam Baker.

This game was an offensive showdown. The Saints had three players who stood out offensively. Oster went 2-for-5 with three RBI. Andre Airich went 4-for-4 with two RBI. Baker had three hits in four at-bats with three RBI, including the game winner.

On Sunday the Saints played a doubleheader against Delta State and Pfeiffer University, losing 6-3 and 1-5, respectively.

The Saints were held to only seven hits and only one player had multiple hits against Delta State. The highlight of the game for the Saints was a Chad Sage three-run home run in the bottom of the fifth.

Against Pfeiffer, Brandon Garcia of North Georgia pitched an outstanding game, going six innings and allowing only one run. The bullpen fell apart, though, giving up nine of the 10 Pfeiffer runs in the last three innings.

The Saints traveled to Anderson University Wednesday for their first road game, losing 10-5 on a grand slam home run.

Over the next week the Saints will play a three game series with Mars Hill in Dahlonega this weekend. They then play another home game on Wednesday against Southern Polytechnic.

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