North Georgia marches on in winners bracket

AIKEN, SC - Logan Sharrett's third double of the day was his most important as it scored Craig Brisson with the game-winning run as North Georgia erased 8-4 and 9-6 deficits to beat Georgia College & State University 10-9 in 10 innings on Friday at the PBC Tournament. With that win, NGCSU advances in the winners bracket; their next opponent and game time will be determined by the rest of the day's play.

GCSU jumped out to an 8-4 lead in the top of the six, scoring four runs in the sixth alone. Pete Paris delivered the big blow for the Bobcats with a three-run home run.

But North Georgia proved their resiliency all day long. The Saints scored twice in the bottom of the sixth with a two-run home run from Brisson to trim the lead to two.

GCSU went up three with a run in the top of the eighth as Derek Johns with a single down the right field line that scored Brooks Robinson.

North Georgia answered with three runs against GCSU premier closer Michael Newman (L, 4-4) in the bottom of the eighth. With runners at the corners and two outs, Sharrett again provided some heroics with a two-run double to right. Rob Flanigan then followed a double down the left field line that scored Sharrett to tie the game.

North Georgia looked to have the game won in the bottom of the ninth. With two outs and Josh Tate on second, Kevin Morrison lifted a fly ball down the left field line, but Brett DiFelice made a diving catch on the line to send the game to extra innings.

Jacob Rickett (W, 5-2) picked up the win after tossing the final 2.2 innings and allowing only two hits and one walk while striking out one. Newman takes the loss after allowing three earned runs. GCSU starter Clete Jessup went seven innings, giving up five earned while NGCSU starter James Wiley went only 5.2 innings before being pulled after giving up six earned.

Sharrett finished the day 4-for-6 with the three doubles, three RBIs and two runs scored. Brisson was 3-for-6 with the home run, two RBIs and three runs scored. Flanigan and Daniel Pettiti also had multi-hit games.