By: By Kevin Kline, Sports Information Graduate Assistant
Box Score
WILSON, N.C. – A splendid pitching performance by senior
Nick Umberger and a three-hit performance by freshman second baseman
Jimmy Spanos proved to be decisive on Friday afternoon as the Shippensburg University baseball recorded a 1-0 shutout of Barton College at historic Fleming Stadium.
After hitting a one-out double down the right field line in the top of the eighth inning , Spanos eventually took third base on a wild pitch and crossed home plate on a throwing error by the catcher. The lone run proved to be the game winner.
The Raiders (2-2) were led by a solid performance from Umberger, who has allowed just three earned runs through his first 14 innings this season. The left-hander gave up two hits in seven innings to go along with eight strikeouts and one walk for his second victory of 2012.
Senior
Jimmy Miller pitched the last two innings to pick up his first save of the year.
Jimmy Miller had to find his way out of a jam in the ninth, however, after giving up a single to lead off the inning and allowing the runner to advance to second on a wild pitch.
Miller hit the next batter to put men on first and second with no outs, but regained his composure after forcing a double play off the bat of Barton's (3-5) five-hole hitter. With a runner on third, Miller induced another groundout to end the Bulldogs' rally and finish off the SU victory.
Spanos was responsible for three of the four hits that the Raiders got off Barton starter Bentley Massey. The freshman went 3-for-4 with two singles in addition to his game-changing double. He continues to lead the team in hitting, going 7-for-14 (.500) over the first four games.
Shippensburg threatened again in the eighth with two outs when junior
Cody Kulp singled up the middle but was caught stealing at second base to end the frame.
It was Shippensburg's first 1-0 shutout victory since Mar. 15, 2008 when the Raiders dispatched Bloomsburg at Fairchild Field.
The Raiders will finish the three-game series tomorrow with a doubleheader at Nixon Field. First pitch is slated for noon.
