JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — The Citadel (18-20, 4-7 SoCon) fought back to a tie in the top of the ninth, but ultimately fell to ETSU (24-12, 7-4 SoCon) in a 5–4 walk-off defeat on Saturday afternoon at Thomas Stadium.
Michael Gibson recorded two hits, driving in one run and stealing a base.
Christian Stratis contributed two hits and two RBIs.
Sam Dansky added two hits and one RBI, and drew a walk.
Garrett Fulmer went 2-for-4 at the plate.
Andrew Buffkin delivered a competitive start for The Citadel, pitching 5.0 innings, allowing four hits and one earned run while striking out three and walking two.
Ben Brash came in relief, throwing 1.0 inning and allowing four hits and three earned runs.
Trip Brown closed out the game, pitching 2.1 innings, surrendering two hits and one earned run and striking out four batters, eventually taking the loss to move his record to 1-3.
For the Buccaneers, Tyler Fetterman went 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Luke Matlock drove in the game-winning run. Tristian Curless earned the win after pitching 1.1 innings, allowing two hits, one earned run, and two strikeouts.
"We were on the wrong end of a good college baseball game. Buffkin was efficient, attacked the zone, and gave us a quality start. I thought Brown did his job; they just had two great swings in the 9th to beat us," said head coach
Russell Triplett. "I'm proud of how our guys continue to stay in the fight and were able to extend the game with a run in the 9th. The series is tied, but when two good teams play, it usually comes down to Sunday. I can't wait to see our guys compete tomorrow."
Up next, the Bulldogs face the Buccaneers for the rubber match at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, at Thomas Stadium.
