Wednesday, April 06, 2011

KENNESAW, Ga. – Ray Anderson gave Kennesaw State its second walk-off hit in three games as the Owls scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to beat the No. 8-ranked Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, 7-6, on Tuesday evening before a record-breaking crowd of 1,242 fans at Stillwell Stadium.

Anderson gave the Owls their second-ever win over a Top 10 team when he looped a single over second baseman Mott Hyde’s outreached glove and into right-center field, scoring pinch-runner Chris Wages with the game-winning run.

“I just wanted to make contact and use my speed to make something happen,” said Anderson on the biggest hit of his collegiate career. “This was a complete team effort, we did a great job all night of staying close and we got into a position to win and I am glad I was able to contribute.”

Anderson had been hitting the ball well recently and has raised his average to near .300 after a 1-for-2 night against Tech and a three-hit afternoon against Southern Illinois on Sunday. He entered the game as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning and struck out before remaining in the game in center field.

“We wanted Ray’s bat in the lineup late in the game,” said head coach Mike Sansing. “He is a good contact guy and with his speed, we knew that he would stay out of a double play. He has been hitting the ball well lately and I am happy for him that he was able to come up with a big it for us.”

With one out in the ninth inning, Ronnie Freeman was hit by a pitch and Andy Chriscaden walked, one of 11 walks issued by four Georgia Tech pitchers. Drew Fowlkes reached on a slow roller to first base to load the bases before walks to Peyton Hart and Ethan Herron tied the game, setting up Anderson’s dramatic hit.

“Each team gave the other some runs tonight and we played a sloppy game,” added Sansing. “But, like we have done a number of times this season, we fought our way back, were patient at the plate and came away with a big win.”

Kennesaw State (19-12) got a solid performance from starter Travis Dean, who allowed only one earned run over five-plus innings of work. The right-hander scattered four hits and allowed four runs while striking out five batters.

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