May 14, 2008

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LEBANON, Tenn. - A Nick Jiles three-run home run ruined an impressive comeback by Union (Ky.) College as host Cumberland (Tenn.) University took game one of the NAIA South Central Super Regional 10-9 Wednesday.

Union fell behind early but rallied to eventually take a 9-7 lead in the seventh. But Jiles belted a three-run shot in the top of the eighth to catapult Cumberland to the one-run victory.

The best-of-three series continues Thursday at 2 p.m. Central. The super regional is being held at Ernest L. Stockton Field in Lebanon, Tenn.

Union, ranked No. 14 in the NAIA, is now 45-16 on the year while Cumberland improved to 46-19.

Senior designated hitter Brett McAlpin (Winchester, Ky.) had his best game of the year in going 3-for-4 with a double and three RBIs. Trey Wheeler (Hopkinsville, Ky.) was 2-of-3 with two runs scored and a RBI, while Joe Grinstead (Bowling Green, Ky.) went 2-for-4 with a runs scored and a RBI.

Union found itself in a deep hole early on as Cumberland reeled off five runs in the top of the second. The rally was capped off by a James Lilley two-run home run.

In the bottom of the frame, Union battled back, scoring three runs to cut the margin to 5-3. Union loaded the bases with no outs before Wheeler and David Fairbanks (Cincinnati, Ohio) provided back-to-back sac flies to make it a 5-2 contest. McAlpin followed with a two-out, run-scoring single to pull Union within two runs.

Grinstead provided a RBI double in the third and later scored on a sac fly, pulling Union even with Cumberland at 5-5.

However, Michael Wheeler delivered a two-run double in the fourth to put Cumberland back up 7-5.

McAlpin cut the deficit in half with a run-scoring double in the bottom of the fourth. In the sixth, McAplin singled in another run and Fairbanks scored on an error to put Union up 8-7.

Lioney Henriquez (Brooklyn, N.Y.) belted a solo shot in the seventh for a two-run Union advantage.

But Cumberland was not done. With runners on second and third and one out, Jiles launched a home run over the right-center field wall, giving Cumberland a 10-9 lead.

Aaron Tant took care of the rest for Cumberland as he got Union to go down in order in both the eighth and ninth, wrapping up the one-run Cumberland victory.

Jiles finished 2-for-5 with three RBIs and two runs scored, while Michael Wheeler went 3-for-5 with two RBIs.

Tant picked up the win, coming in relief of starter Lance McClain. Tant tossed the final seven innings, allowing four runs - two earned, on seven hits and one walk with two strikeouts.

Chaz Bargo (Artemus, Ky.) suffered the loss, dropping him to 1-5 on the season. He allowed one run one three hits and no walks with one strikeout.

Bulldog Notes
Union is now 27-2 when scoring nine or more runs in a game. Both loses have come in the postseason with the other being a 14-13 defeat to Tennessee Wesleyan College in the Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament championship game.

Chaz Bargo set the program's career appearances record for a pitcher, appearing in his 65th game. He previously shared the mark with Greg Bruce, who appeared in 64 games during his career.

Joe Grinstead stole his 45th base of the season, one shy of the program record of 46 held by Tim Galbraith.

Joe Grinstead scored for the 73th time this season, tying Scott Benson for the single-season record. Benson set the mark during the 2002 campaign.