KINSTON, N.C. – The Coppin State baseball team split a doubleheader against Army, winning the first game 4-3 in dramatic fashion and dropping the nightcap, 11-3, Saturday afternoon in a non-conference clash at Grainger Stadium.
In earning its first win of the 2015 season, Coppin State (1-4 overall) literally walked off the Black Knights by taking advantage of four walks and an error in the bottom of the seventh inning.
Jonathan Calvin patiently drew a two-out bases loaded walk to help Coppin State stage a memorable rally.
Trailing 3-1 entering the bottom of the seventh inning, the Eagles staged a rally by putting pressure on Army.
Chris Rodriguez led off with a walk and
Colin Dower singled to set the table. Michael Wright was safe on an error, which allowed Rodriguez to score from second base. Jack Kraft followed with a RBI groundout to tie the game at 3-3.
In the first game, Coppin State only managed three hits but the strong pitching of
Dillon O'Brien kept the Eagles around long enough to enjoy a happy ending. Coppin State littered the bases with runners thanks to 11 walks. O'Brien allowed two runs over five innings for the Eagles.
Despite three hits from
Bryant Miranda in the second game, Coppin State could not catch Army, who led the entire way.
Darien Percell also had two hits, including a RBI single in the two-run fourth inning, for the Eagles in the nightcap.
Jack Kraft had a hit in both games to extend his hitting streak to six games. In addition to Kraft, Alex Brown (who had a hit in each game),
Randal Mendez and
George Dragon have reached base safely in every game this season.
Coppin State returns to action when it hosts Saint Bonaventure Thursday afternoon in a doubleheader at Joe Cannon Stadium beginning at noon.
