April 3, 2006

For More Information, Contact: Keith Gentry (901) 333-4114/ (901) 619-1899

SOUTHWEST BASEBALL TEAM TAKES 2 OF 3 FROM NATIONALLY-RANKED CHATTANOOGA
Release written by Keith Gentry

The Southwest baseball team had a successful weekend as they won two of three from 6th-ranked Chattanooga State. The wins improved the Saluqis’ overall record to 24-12 and kept them in the fourth slot in the TJCCAA at 12-7.

In game one on Friday night, Southwest overcame a 7-2 deficit to win 9-7. Sophomore southpaw and Southern University signee, Chris Crenshaw came in relief of Jason Adams and tossed 5-1/3 scoreless innings to earn the victory. Crenshaw scattered six hits, walked two, and struck out four in improving his record to 3-0. Freshman Zac LaBarreare tossed a scoreless ninth for his fourth save of the year.

The hitting star was sophomore catcher Elvis Sosa who homered twice and drove in five runs. Sophomore second baseman, Preston Burleson also had a nice night at the plate as he was 3 for 4 with a pair of doubles. Arkansas Tech signee, Jon Thurston was the only other Saluqi with multiple hits with a 2 for 5 performance.

On Saturday, the Southwest offense exploded for four runs in each of the first three innings and held a commanding 13-0 lead after four innings. Sophomore right-handed pitcher, Darren Wills was the beneficiary of the offensive outburst as he improved his record to 4-2. He saw his streak of scoreless innings pitched come to a halt at 19. Burleson was again hot at the plate with a pair of doubles in a 3-3 performance. Sosa and freshman Corey Rudolph also had two hits each.

In game three, Southwest held a 3-2 advantage after five innings of play, thanks to another pair of home runs by Sosa, but Chattanooga rallied for five runs in the top of the sixth and held on for an 8-6 decision to salvage a victory in the series. Also producing at the plate for the Saluqis was sophomore outfielder, Brent Moss who had three hits including two doubles.