Rogers' Grand Slam Lifts Eagles to Split at Augusta State

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Senior Mills Rogers (Simpsonville, S.C.) drilled a ninth-inning grand slam to lift the Eagles to an 11-5 win in game two, as Carson-Newman split a doubleheader on Saturday afternoon with Augusta State (Ga.) at Lake Olmstead Stadium in Augusta, Ga.. C-N lost game one to the Jaguars, 10-3.

With the split, the Eagles are 1-1 on the season. The two teams will play a doubleheader on Sunday beginning at 11 a.m. Game one will be a nine-inning game, with game two schedule for seven innings.

Game 1

ASU got to Eagles’ starter Robby Thigpen (St. Petersburg, Fla.) for six runs in the bottom of the third to build an early 6-0 lead, en route to a 10-3 win.

The Jaguars pounded out seven hits in the inning to grab all the runs they would need in the win.

C-N answered with all three of their runs in the fourth to cut the lead in half, but could never pull any closer.

Seniors Jeff Lockwood (Knoxville, Tenn.) and Corey Lamson (Gray, Tenn.) each homered for the Eagles. Sophomore Aaron Vargas (Oak Ridge, Tenn.) added a 3-for-3 day with three singles.

Game 2

Rogers’ capped a 5-for-6 day with his ninth-inning grand slam to cap a six-RBI as the Eagles won their first game of 2010, 11-5.

The Eagles’ shortstop ripped an offering from ASU’s Curtis Parker over the left centerfield fence to blow open a 5-4 game. He also had a double on the afternoon.

C-N pounded out 11 hits in the win. Sophomore Zach Long (Jefferson City, Tenn.) added a hit and two RBIs. He also scored a run.

Senior Wes McIntyre (Chattanooga, Tenn.) allowed two unearned runs in 6.2 innings to get the win. He struck out five and allowed only two hits.

The Eagles also stole three bases in the win. Junior Wes Dozier (Cornelius, N.C.) had two.