Box Score by Cory Guinn
WILSON, N.C. – Senior Kerry Walker tossed his third complete game of the season in leading the Barton baseball team to a 2-1 victory over the Falcons of visiting Pfeiffer University on Sunday afternoon at Nixon Field.
Walker (7-3) picked up the win after allowing just one unearned run on four hits with four strikeouts. The win moves the right-hander into second place among all Conference Carolinas pitchers in total wins for the season.
The two sides were scoreless over the first four innings of play, combining for just five total hits. However, the Falcons (16-18, 7-11) led off the fifth inning with a single from Kirby Lambert. The next batter, Derek Perry, reached on a Walker throwing error after laying down a bunt and Lambert advanced to third.
After a hit-by-pitch loaded the bases, Pfeiffer's Christian Marciano brought a run home with a sacrifice fly to center field. A double play ended the inning with the Falcons on top.
Barton (22-15, 7-11) responded one inning later as senior Tyler Garrett singled down the right field line and was moved to second on a sacrifice bunt from sophomore Ricks Dearing.
Garrett stole third and senior Andrew Webster walked to put runners on the corners before fellow senior Calvin Hawke drew a walk of his own to load the bases. Sophomore Gatlin Pate then sent a deep fly ball to right field, allowing Garrett to score from third and tie the game at 1-all after six innings of play.
Walker held Pfeiffer without a hit over the next two innings, keeping the Falcon offense at bay. In the bottom of the eight, Garrett once again singled to lead things off and advanced to third base on a Dearing single.
With runners on first and third, Webster hit into a 6-4-3 double play, but Garrett was able to cross home plate for Barton's second run of the contest. Walker sat the Falcons down in order in the top of the ninth to preserve the win for the Royal Blue and White.
Garrett was a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate in the game with two runs scored and a stolen base, while freshman Chase Riker was 2-for-3 on offense.
The Bulldogs have a rematch with South Atlantic Conference member Catawba College on Tuesday, April 4 for their next contest. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. from Salisbury, N.C.
