February 21, 2005

For More Information, Contact: Keith Gentry (901) 333-4114 / Kimberly Stark (901) 333-4023/ (901) 489-4771

SOUTHWEST BASEBALL TEAM GOES 1-2 AT DYERSBURG TO OPEN CONFERENCE PLAY
Written by Keith Gentry

The Southwest baseball team traveled to Dyersburg, Tennessee over the weekend to open play in the Tennessee Junior and Community College Athletic Association and won one of three games against Dyersburg State Community College. On Friday, the two teams played a doubleheader with Dyersburg State winning both games by scores of 8-3 and 7-3. On Saturday, Southwest pounded out 16 hits as the Saluqis won 14-6. With Saturday’s win, the Saluqis’ record improved to 5-5 on the season.

In Friday’s doubleheader, top hitters for the Saluqis were freshman rightfielder John Thurston (Belair, MD), who went 3 for 6, and Collins Coltharp (New Albany, MS), who drove in four runs.

On Saturday, several Southwest players had outstanding games. Coltharp again was a top run producer with three hits, including two doubles and five runs batted in. Other Saluqis who had multiple hits were freshman designated hitter Matt Akin (Munford High School), who drove in four runs with a double and two singles, freshman shortstop Phillip White (Milan, TN), who had a single and a double, and sophomore second baseman Ryan Orr (Bolton High School), who had two hits and drove in two runs. In Saturday’s game, freshman pitcher Phil Detonnancourt (Ft. Walton Beach, FL), picked up the win, allowing no hits in 3-2/3 innings of relief.

The Saluqis are scheduled to play a 1 p.m. doubleheader against Williams Baptist College on Monday, February 21 at Tony Gagliano Memorial Field. This weekend, Southwest hosts Hiwassee College in the first home TJCCAA series of the season. On Friday, February 25, Southwest and Hiwassee will play a single game at 3 p.m., followed by a 1 p.m. doubleheader on Saturday, February 26.