Canes win third straight, take series opener at Flagler, 4-1

Canes win third straight, take series opener at Flagler, 4-1

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - A four-run third inning proved to be all the support Georgia Southwestern starting pitcher Trent Franzago would need as he shut down Flagler in the Peach Belt Conference series opener on Friday night, 4-1, at Flagler Stadium.

Franzago (4-4) tossed a complete-game gem, holding the Saints to five hits, while walking five and striking out eight.

GSW improves to 17-12 overall and evens its PBC mark at 5-5 with its third-consecutive win. The Hurricanes are 9-4 on the road. Flagler drops to 11-17 and 2-8 in the PBC. 

Flagler struck first in the series with a run in the second inning behind an RBI double from Charlie Stewart.

With two outs and runners on second and third for GSW in the third, John Duran delivered what would prove to be the game-winning hit with a two-run single to right-center field. The next batter, Michel Coffey, doubled and Jared Allen walked, setting the stage for Andrew Anderson's two-run single up the middle.

Both teams were held scoreless - with the sides combining for four hits - the rest of the way.

Paschal Poston finished the ballgame 2-for-4 to lead the Hurricanes.

Stewart had two hits for Flagler.

Jonathan Arnold (2-5) takes the loss for the Saints, throwing 6 1/3 innings, allowing four runs - none earned - on five hits. He walked five and struck out eight. Tyler McKendree pitched 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief and Max Rusch tossed a scoreless ninth with a walk and two strikeouts.

The Hurricanes and Saints conclude their weekend series on Saturday with a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m.