Shuey hits walk-off this time, #21 Patriots win 10-9 in 10

FLORENCE, SC – For the second time in two weeks, Francis Marion University sophomore first baseman Preston Shuey won a game with a last-inning homer, but this time he was able to stroll around the bases. His 10th-inning clout on Tuesday (March 3) gave the 21st-ranked Patriots a 10-9 non-conference win over Millersville University on a chilly day at Cormell Field.

Francis Marion improves to 11-6-1, while the Marauders drop to 4-5. FMU will host Clarion University for a twinbill on Wednesday, beginning at 4 p.m. Millersville will play at Coker College on Wednesday at 2 p.m.

Millersville scored five runs in the first two innings, saw Francis Marion score nine unanswered runs to lead 9-5, and then rallied for four runs in the top of the ninth frame to force extra innings.

Two infield errors by FMU led to the four unearned runs in the top of ninth. Derek Kline singled home the first two runs and Andrew Dochterman doubled home the final two scores.

Francis Marion loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the ninth, but senior righty Andrew Clemens (0-1) induced FMU catcher Jacob Wallace to ground into an inning-ending 6-4-3 double play.

After Patriot reliever Josh Biggers (2-0) moved from shortstop to the mound and retired the Marauders without a run in the top of the 10th, Shuey led off the bottom of the frame with his homer to left field. On Feb. 15, Shuey beat Davis & Elkins College with a bottom of the ninth inside-the-park home run.

Shuey was 3-for-5 with two runs scored and two runs batted in. He was a triple shy of hitting for the cycle. FMU junior Barrett Kleinknecht extended his hitting streak to 12 games with a 3-for-3 day that included two runs scored and an RBI.

Four other Patriots rapped out two hits apiece: Colby Green, Keon Graves, Alex Lee, and Trent Knight. Knight also drove in two runs. FMU freshman outfielder Tyler Boyd had his hitting streak stopped at 13 games, but he did drive in a run with a sacrifice fly. Wallace had his hitting streak snapped at 12 games, but drove in a run with a fielder’s choice.

Leftfielder Cody Wile paced Millersville with a 4-for-5 day that included two runs scored, two doubles, a homer, and four RBIs. Dochterman, Kline, and second baseman Ryan McCormick all had two hits, with Dochterman driving in three runs.

By Michael G. Hawkins