University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Charlotte
Williams Lifts No. 6 Tar Heels Past Charlotte, 3-1
March 28, 2006 | Baseball
March 28, 2006
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Center fielder Seth Williams broke a 1-1 tie with a two-run single in the bottom of the eighth inning to lift No. 6 North Carolina to a 3-1 win over visiting Charlotte Tuesday at Boshamer Stadium. Three pitchers combined on a four-hitter as the Tar Heels (21-5) snapped a two-game losing streak.
Williams was 2-for-4 on the night and came through with a bases-loaded single off 49er reliever Erik Walker to plate the game-winning runs in the eighth. First baseman Chad Flack led off the inning with a single to right center, and shortstop Josh Horton followed with a walk to put two on and with no one out. After a key pinch-hit sacrifice bunt from Mike Cavasinni, left fielder Jay Cox was intentionally walked before Williams singled through the left side to drive in Flack and Horton.
Senior Jonathan Hovis allowed just two hits over four shutout innings to pick up the win in relief. Now 5-1 on the season, the Gastonia product has already matched his career-best win total. Sophomore Andrew Carignan, who has yet to allow an earned run on the year, worked a scoreless ninth to earn his sixth save of the season.
Carolina starter Luke Putkonen went four strong innings and allowed just one run on two hits. He struck out a career-high four batters and walked just one.
Zach Rosenbaum (2-2) took the loss for Charlotte (18-8) after allowing Flack's leadoff single in the eighth and walking Horton. Niners' lefty Spencer Steedley was sharp in his first start of the season, allowing just one run on three hits and one walk over four innings.
Third baseman Aaron Bray had two of the 49ers four hits on the night and scored their lone run. In the top of the third, he reached on a fielder's choice, stole second and third and scored on a single to right center by shortstop Mike Ambrose to give the 49ers a 1-0 lead.
After getting just one hit over the first four frames, the Tar Heels tied the score in the fifth when Williams doubled to left center, took third on a single by right fielder Matt Spencer and scored on a wild pitch by reliever B.J. Hagen. Williams has now hit safely in eight straight games.
Carolina returns to Atlantic Coast Conference action this weekend against No. 1-ranked Florida State. Game times are 7 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
