LAURINBURG — Nic Charleson’s two RBI double lifted Scotland to a 5-4 extra-inning victory over visiting Pinecrest Friday night.
Scotland (10-5, 2-2 Southeastern Conference) snapped a two-game conference losing streak with the win while handing Pinecrest (9-6, 2-2) its second SEC defeat in a row.
The Scots had to rally from a 3-0 deficit to force extra innings, and after tying the game in the bottom of the fifth, Scotland wouldn’t score again until Charleson’s dramatic game-winning hit.
Both teams remained knotted at 3-3 from the fifth inning on until the top of the 11th when a wild pitch from Charleson allowed Nik Pry to reach home.
But the Scots answered with the definitive runs in the bottom of the frame. Andrew Harmody walked Bryan Baines to open the inning, then Davon Ratliffe laid down a successful bunt. Pinecrest committed a throwing error trying to force Ratliffe out at first, which allowed Baines and Ratliffe to advance to third and second base respectively.
The Patriots then intentionally walked Donta Green to load the bases.
That’s when Charleson atoned for his earlier mistake on the mound, drilling a double down the first-base line to plate the winning runs.
Logan Martinez can be reached at 910-506-3170. Follow him on Twitter @L_Martinez13.