Forest City, N.C.----The Wingate University Bulldogs broke open a tie game in the top of the ninth inning Sunday night, scoring four runs in the final frame to defeat third-seeded Tusculum College 12-8 on day four of the 2015 SAC Tournament. The Bulldogs move to 30-21 overall, advancing to the final day of the SAC Tournament. Tusculum is eliminated from the tournament, falling to 29-18 overall.

"I could not be more proud of the team," head coach Jeff Gregory says. "The whole group the last couple days has been incredible. We've gotten great contributions up and down the lineup and on the mound."

Wingate has won four elimination games in this tournament. The 'Dogs had to defeat Carson-Newman Thursday in a single-elimination game to open the tournament. After dropping a game to Newberry Friday, Wingate stayed alive by eliminating Anderson Saturday with a 17-3 win. The Bulldogs knocked out Newberry earlier Sunday with a 5-3 victory. Wingate will play on the final day of the SAC Tournament for the fourth time in five years.

Sophomore infielder Shane Billings (Kernersville, N.C.) went four-for-six with two doubles, two RBI and two runs scored to lead the Wingate attack. Sophomore infielder Colby Barnette (Monroe, N.C.) added a homer, two RBI and two runs scored, while senior Michael Godinez (Cutler Bay, Fla.) also drove in two runs for the Bulldogs. Senior catcher Josh Clark (Clemmons, N.C.) contributed an RBI and two runs scored, while freshman Bradley Brown (Rockingham, N.C.) was two-for-five with a double and an RBI. Senior Thomas Spitz (West Chester, Pa.) had two hits, an RBI and a run scored.

John Topoleski had a double and three RBI to lead the Tusculum offense. Chris Waylock added a pair of hits and two RBI for the Pioneers, while Jalen Shuffler had an RBI and two runs scored. Kevin Victoriano added an RBI and a run scored for Tusculum.

Victoriano's RBI single in the bottom of the first gave Tusculum an early lead. Krebs ripped a one-out double down the right field line in the third, then scored on an RBI single from Billings to tie it.

Waylock's RBI single in the third put Tusculum back on top, while Shuffler's solo homer in the fourth made it 3-1.

The Bulldogs scored three in the fifth to take the lead. Senior Blake Prince (Winter Park, Fla.) started the frame with a double, then moved to third on a Billings double. They both scored on a two-run single from Godinez, making it 3-3. Brown then ripped an RBI double down the right field line to put the 'Dogs on top.

The Pioneers tied the game in the fifth on Waylock's RBI groundout. The Bulldogs regained the lead in the seventh. Billings started it with a one-out single, then stole second and went to third on a passed ball. He scored on an RBI single from Spitz to make it 5-4.

Tusculum had the answer, scoring three times in the bottom of the frame to take the lead. After the first two outs were recorded, the Pioneers loaded the bases with two singles and a walk. Topoleski delivered a three-run double to right center to give TC a 7-5 lead.

Wingate had the immediate answer, scoring three times in the eighth to take the lead back. After a leadoff walk, Barnette connected on his 12th homer of the year, a two-run shot to left to tie the game. Krebs ripped a two-out double off the top of the wall in center, then scored on an RBI double from Billings to give the 'Dogs an 8-7 advantage.

Tusculum tied the game in the bottom of the eighth on an RBI single from Andrew Bowerman, sending the game to the ninth tied 8-8.

Spitz drew a leadoff walk, then moved to third on a single from Brown. Clark put the Bulldogs on top with an RBI single. Barnette then laid down a bunt with runners on first and second and the throw to third was offline, allowing the 'Dogs to score another run. Senior Brad Cherry (Mt. Pleasant, S.C.) followed with a sacrifice fly, while Barnette scored on a wild pitch to give Wingate a 12-8 lead.

Sophomore right-hander Cameron Price (Indian Trail, N.C.) got the win, moving to 1-2. He allowed two runs on four hits in 2 1/3 innings, striking out three and walking one. Devan Watts took the loss, allowing five runs on five hits in 1 2/3 innings, falling to 4-3.

Wingate is back in action Monday at 1 p.m. The Bulldogs will face top-seeded Catawba, who is without a loss in the tournament. If Wingate wins the first game, the two teams would meet again at 4 p.m. The 'Dogs need two wins on Monday to win the championship.