WINGATE, N.C. - Junior Erick Sanderson blasted three home runs, including two in the first inning of the nightcap, and recorded seven RBI as the Anderson baseball team wrapped up its three-game South Atlantic Conference series by salvaging a split with Wingate, falling 8-5 and winning 12-9, Saturday afternoon at Ron Christopher Stadium and Plyler Athletic Field.
Anderson moved to 11-29 overall and 5-16 in the league, while Wingate improved to 24-16 and 12-9.
Game #1
Wingate 8, Anderson 5
Sanderson, who has recorded eight homers in the last eight games, was 2-for-2 in the opener with a solo shot to right in the second inning and scored twice. Senior Brett Scarberry was 1-for-2 and crossed the plate twice, while junior Tony Price drove in two runs.
Anderson fell behind 7-1 after six innings, before trimming the deficit to three by taking advantage of Wingate pitching miscues to plate three runs in the top of the seventh inning. Sanderson was hit by a pitch with one out, then back-to-back walks and a fielder's choice produced two runs, and Ryan Kirkland drove in a run with a ground out to second.
The Bulldogs answered with a run in the bottom of the frame to gain an 8-4 lead after seven innings, before the Trojans rallied to score a run in the top of the ninth. Sanderson drew a lead-off walk and moved into scoring position on Scarberry's single to left. After Paul Como bounced into a fielder's choice, Sanderson scored on Price's sacrifice fly to right.
The Trojans loaded the bases with two outs, putting the tying run at first, but were unable to draw any closer.
TJ Estes (2-4) absorbed the loss, giving up five earned runs over five innings, while striking out three and walking one.
Game #2
Anderson 12, Wingate 9
Senior Blake May was a perfect 3-for-3 in the nightcap and scored twice, while driving in two runs. Sanderson drove in six runs by adding a pair of three-run homers in the first inning and freshman Ryan Mills was 2-for-3 with a walk and an RBI in his first career start at first base. Sophomore Zach Reeves finished 3-for-4 with three singles and a walk and scored twice. Thomas Padro had a double and a single in four at-bats and recorded two RBI, while Brett Scarberry notched a pair of singles.
Anderson sent 13 batters to the plate in the first inning of the nightcap, erupting for 11 runs in the opening frame. Price and Padro each doubled and Sanderson recorded his two round-trippers. The Trojans added a run in the third on May's RBI double, before Wingate closed within three by plating nine runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings, as catcher Jason Hunter notched a three-run homer and a three-run triple.
But freshman right-hander Landon Beck retired the Bulldogs in order on the seventh and final inning. Sanderson (3-4) earned the win, giving up four runs on seven hits and striking out three.
Anderson returns home for a brief one-game homestand on Tuesday, when the Trojans play host to rival Erskine. First-pitch versus the Flying Fleet is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Anderson Memorial Stadium.
