SALISBURY, N.C. – Behind a dominant pitching performance from junior right-hander Colt Wilkins, the Limestone University baseball team opened the South Atlantic Conference Tournament with a clutch 2-0 victory over Coker University on Friday evening at Newman Park. The Saints grabbed their first playoff win in over a decade and moved one step closer to a potential SAC title run.
Key Moments:
For the first five innings, both teams were locked in a pitchers' duel. Wilkins kept the Cobras off balance with a precise mix of fastballs and breaking pitches, scattering only a few base hits while working quickly and efficiently. His defense backed him up with crisp infield play, including a pair of smooth double plays and error-free fielding across the diamond.
Limestone threatened in the bottom of the first after Corey Hodierne led off with an infield single and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt. However, aggressive baserunning on a steal attempt resulted in a crucial out at third base, and the inning ended scoreless.
The Saints finally broke through in the bottom of the sixth. Tyler Hughesman jump-started the rally with a sharp single to right-center. After Ethan Bonocore laid down a textbook sacrifice bunt to move Hughesman into scoring position, Peter Adams stepped to the plate and lined a clutch RBI single through the left side, plating Hughesman for the first run of the game.
Moments later, Adams advanced to third on a wild pitch, putting himself in prime position. With two outs, Winston Parke rolled a grounder to shortstop, and Adams took off on contact. A heads-up slide allowed him to beat the throw home, extending the Limestone lead to 2-0.
Colt Wilkins continued to control the game from the mound. After giving up a leadoff single in the seventh, he induced a tailor-made double play to end the threat, showcasing the Saints' defensive sharpness. He retired the side in order in the ninth, punctuating his masterpiece with a called third strike to end the game.
Up Next:
The Saints advance in the winner's bracket and will return to action Saturday against Catawba, as they continue their run in the SAC Tournament. First pitch is scheduled for 11 a.m. at Newman Park.