University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Elon
Baseball Rallies For 5-4 Win Over Elon
March 27, 2001 | Baseball
March 27, 2001
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - North Carolina rallied for four runs in the final two innings, including a game-winning, two-run triple by Jason Howell in the bottom of the ninth, for a 5-4 win over Elon Tuesday afternoon at Boshamer Stadium. Carolina (17-11) ended a four-game losing streak with the win, while Elon dropped to 16-12.
Down 4-1 entering the eighth, the Tar Heels started their rally with two runs in the inning to cut the Phoenix lead to 4-3. Ryan Blake led off the bottom of the eighth with a single and scored on a double by Howell to cut the Elon lead to 4-2. Ron Braun's RBI single scored Howell and the Tar Heels had runners at first and third with just one out before reliever Adam Acosta got out of the jam by striking out Chris Maples and getting Russ Adams to pop out to first.
In the ninth, Acosta again got in trouble when a one-out error by shortstop Brian Ingram allowed Sean Farrell to reach first. Blake walked to give UNC runners at first and second, setting the stage for Howell's game-winning triple down the right-field line. It was Howell's third RBI and second extra-base hit in the final two innings.
Carolina struck first in the game with a run in the bottom of the third on an RBI single by Farrell, but Elon answered with four straight runs. The Phoenix got three unearned runs in the top of the fourth to pull ahead 3-1. Wes Smith, Shaun Kopczynski and Whit Bryant all knocked in runs for Elon in the inning. Brian Ingram doubled and scored in the fifth, as Elon scored its fourth and final run.
UNC freshman reliever Kevin Brower (1-0) pitched the final 4.1 scoreless innings for his first collegiate win. Elon managed just three hits, struck out once and walked once against Brower.
Nathan Holcomb started for the Phoenix and allowed one run on five hits while striking out nine UNC batters over 6.0 innings in the no decision. Adam Acosta (2-3) surrendered Carolina's final four runs on five hits over 2.1 innings for the loss.
Howell (2-for-5, 3 RBIs) and Sean Farrell (3-for-5, 1 RBI) had big days at the plate, while five other Tar Heels also had hits in the win.
Carolina's next nine games are on the road, including a matchup Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. versus Winthrop at Knights Stadium in Fort Mill, S.C. The Tar Heels face NC State this weekend for a three-game series in Raleigh.
For box score and play-by-play, please visit TarHeelBlue.com.
