Beau Parker lined a two-out single to centerfield with the bases loaded in the 12th inning to give GSW a 7-6 victory over Auburn Montgomery on Monday evening at Hurricane Stadium. The 'Canes record improved to 24-16. With six games remaining - all on the road and more if they win in the PBC Tournament - GSW is assured a winning record at season's end for the first time in four years.
The 'Canes took the lead early on Monday, scoring two runs in the first. Trent Dooley belted an RBI double and Paschel Poston delivered an RBI single to give GSW a 2-0 lead.
GSW added a run in the second when Chris Lingham scored from third on Kevin Carroll's fielder's choice groundout.
The lead opened to 4-0 in the fourth when Parker scorched a triple to right-center field, bringing Bud Long around to score.
Auburn Montgomery cut the lead in half in fifth when three walks, a wild pitch and a pair of stolen bases accounted for the Senators' offense throughout the inning.
GSW got a run back in the bottom of the fifth on Byron Haynes' RBI double and added another run in the sixth off an RBI single from Long to extend the advantage back to four runs at 6-2.
AUM started the seventh with a walk and a hit batsman and capitalized on the free passes by following with a two-run single and an RBI double to bring the score to 6-5.
It stayed a one-run game until the ninth when Auburn Montgomery's Todd Cherry belted a one-out double to deep center field to score Charles Lester.
AUM threatened in 11th, putting runners on first and second with one out after back-to-back singles, but GSW hurler Corey Hawes struck out the next to batters to end the inning.
In the 12th, Dooley led off with a walk and was moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Haynes. The next batter, Michel Coffey, hit a comebacker to the mound where AUM pitcher Chris Allen caught Dooley between second and third. Dooley escaped the rundown and advanced to third when Allen bobbled a throw from the third baseman and in the process, Coffey advanced to second base. The next batter, Heath Lock, was intentionally walked, setting the stage for Parker's game-winning heroics.
Parker was one of three 'Canes batters to finish with three hits in the contest. Parker went 3-for-6 with a triple, two RBIs and a run scored. Long went 3-for-4 with an RBI and a walk. Dooley finished 3-for-5 with a double, an RBI, a walk and three runs scored.
Cherry led AUM with a 3-for-6 night that included two doubles and two RBIs. Lester, Matt Arrighi and Justin Williams had two hits apiece for the Senators.
Stephen Daneman (2-0) picked up the win for GSW by tossing a scoreless 12th inning. Hurricane starter Chris Carroll went 6 2/3 innings and allowed four runs on four hits while striking out four and walking six. Hawes threw four innings of relief and allowed one run on four hits while striking out four.
Tanner Gordon (0-3) took the loss for AUM, pitching 2 2/3 innings before making way for Allen. The one run Gordon was credited with was unearned.
A total of 10 pitchers were used in the game - six by AUM, four by GSW.
The Hurricanes hit the road for the remaining five games of the regular season. Next up is a trip to Thomasville on Wednesday to face Thomas University at 5 p.m.
GAME NOTES:
Monday's victory was the 135th coaching victory for Bryan McLain at GSW moving him up to third all-time - passing Barry Davis - on the GSW list. Next up? Bill Haywood with 246 wins.
Zack Stanton's hitting streak was snapped at 20 games. Congratulations, Zack on a great run.
The Hurricanes finish the 2010 season 17-6 at home; their best showing at Hurricane Stadium since 2002 when the 'Canes finished 49-12 overall and 26-6 at home.
