WINTER HAVEN, Fla. 3/17/09 - Behind the strong arm of junior Logan Ray (Estill Springs, Tenn., Franklin County) and the hot bat of freshman Taylor Barrett (Murfreesboro, Tenn., Siegel), veteran Sewanee baseball coach Scott Baker became the all-time school leader in career wins today, surpassing the legendary Shirley Majors, as the Tigers defeated Hamilton College 16-4 in Winter Haven, Fla. The win was the 107th for Baker.
Coach Majors, known mainly for his successful football coaching career at Sewanee, guided the Tiger baseball program from 1961-1970 winning 106 games during that time.
“It's very humbling to be mentioned in the same breath with the Coach Majors. I owe all the credit for the record to the players that have played at Sewanee during my time here. The players win the games.” said Baker following the win.
Leading 2-1 entering the fourth inning, the Tigers broke the game open scoring three runs in the fourth and three runs in the seventh. A five-run ninth inning made the final score 16-4.
Ray had his second consecutive strong outing on the mound for Sewanee going seven innings for the win, giving up four runs on eleven hits, striking out seven Continental hitters and allowing only one walk. Pete Anderson (Jacksonville, Fla. , Episcopal) pitched two scoreless innings in relief of Ray.
Barrett led the 18-hit barrage for the Tigers going 3-for-5 with a single, a triple and an inside-the-park homerun driving in three runs. Taylor Burns (Dallas, Tex., Lake Highlands) and Taylor Irwin (Brentwood, Tenn., Battle Ground Academy) contributed three hits apiece to the total. Irwin also had 3 RBI. Franklin Pogue (Nashville, Tenn., Father Ryan) and Austin Stephenson (Charlotte, N.C., Providence) each picked up two hits. Ryne Sullivan (Metarie, La., Isidore Newman) got his first collegiate hit, a pinch hit double in the ninth inning.
Sewanee is now 5-9 on the season and 3-1 on the Florida spring break trip. The Tigers will be in action again tomorrow as they face Fontbonne University at 1:30 pm at Lake Myrtle Park in Auburndale, Fla.
