By: Jake Miller
HARTSVILLE, S.C.- Dallas Baldwin got plenty of run support on Friday (April 15) when a seven-run fourth inning helped Coker beat Lincoln Memorial 9-1 in the South Atlantic Conference series opener.
Baldwin (5-3) dazzled LMU hitters for his third consecutive complete game effort in conference play. The right-hander scattered five hits allowing one earned run while walking two and punching out seven.
Baldwin would have plenty of cushion to pitch with, as Coker batted around and then some in the fourth inning, aided by three LMU errors in the frame. Thomas Lopez was hit by a pitch with one out, he would come around to score on Miguel Frias's RBI double. A Bryson Conner single would put runners on the corners for AJ Strnad, who would reach on a bunt single to load the bases. A Colton Henthorne sacrifice fly would plate Conner from third, and advance Clint Allen to third. After Strnad stole second, Will Winslow drove them both home with a single up the middle. Jack Leech would follow it up with a single to left, an LMU error on the play allowing Winslow to score from first and Leech to advance to second. Darius Coldiron would single to score Leech for the final run of the big inning.
Winslow and Coldiron each went 3-5, along with Strnad, Frias and Leech each recording two hits. Henthorne, Lopez and Conner each tallied a hit in the win.
The Cobras will wrap up the series tomorrow (April 16)with a doubleheader back at Tom J. New Field. First pitch for game one is set for 12:00 p.m. Tickets for the game are $5 for adults, $3 for students and free to all Coker faculty, staff and students.
McDonald's Player of the Game- Dallas Baldwin