Box Score  
Wingate, N.C.----After the visiting Francis Marion University Patriots scored the game-tying run in the top of the ninth, the Bulldogs scored the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth with sophomore outfielder Thomas Spitz (West Chester, Pa.) scoring from first on a bunt single to give Wingate a 3-2 victory in NCAA Division II baseball action Wednesday night at Ron Christopher Stadium and Plyler Athletic Field. The Bulldogs improve to 23-13 overall, while the Patriots fall to 14-11 on the season.

Spitz was one-for-three on the night with a triple, RBI and two runs scored to lead the Wingate offense. Junior outfielder Eric Serra (Miami, Fla.) had a hit and a run scored, while five other Bulldogs added a hit each.

Michael Wilson was one-for-four with an RBI to lead the Francis Marion offense. Jarrod Reed went two-for-five with a run scored, while Brett Fulmer was two-for-four with a run scored for the Patriots.

Francis Marion got on the board in the top of the first. Reed started the game with a single, then stole second. He went to third on a sacrifice, while scoring on an RBI groundout from Wilson to make it 1-0.

Wingate answered with a run in the bottom of the frame. Spitz ripped a two-out triple to left center, then scored when redshirt senior infielder Brian Yeung (Raleigh, N.C.) reached on an error.

This would be all of the scoring until the bottom of the seventh. Serra started the inning with a single, then went to second on a bunt. He would move to third on a wild pitch, then score on a sacrifice fly from Spitz to give the Bulldogs a 2-1 lead.

Francis Marion had a chance to tie it in the eighth, loading the bases with one out. Redshirt senior right-hander Joshua Karr (Richmond, Va.) induced an inning-ending double play to get out of the jam, keeping Wingate on top.

The Patriots tied the game in the ninth. Fulmer lined a one-out single to left, then went to third on a Wingate error. He would score the game-tying run on a sacrifice fly from Stephen Tarkenton.

Spitz reached first via a one-out error in the bottom of the ninth. Yeung would follow with a perfect bunt just past the pitcher’s mound on the third base side. He beat out the throw to first, with Spitz going to third. Spitz was just able to beat out the throw to third, while Yeung would then go to second ahead of the throw. On the throw to second, Spitz headed home and was just able to avoid the tag of the catcher, giving the Bulldogs a 3-2 victory.

Karr got the win, improving to 3-2 on the year. He allowed an unearned run on three hits in two innings of work, striking out one. Brandon Stoots took the loss, falling to 0-2. He allowed a run on two hits in 1 1/3 innings.

Both teams had chances throughout the night. Wingate left 12 on base, while Francis Marion stranded 10 and hit into two doubles plays with the bases loaded. Senior right-hander Grant McCoury (Canton, Ohio) was solid in his first start on the mound for Wingate, allowing a run on five hits in five innings of work, striking out three. Daniel Barfield got the start for FMU, allowing on unearned run on two hits in four innings of work, striking out six while walking three.

Wingate returns to action Friday, opening a three-game SAC series against Brevard at 6 p.m. The Bulldogs and Tornados meet for a doubleheader Saturday at 1 p.m.  The Patriots host Armstrong Atlantic Friday at 7 p.m.