Appalachian steps out of conference for the final time this season on the road when they face long time rival East Tennessee State. A game between the two schools was cancelled earlier this year due to inclement weather. Appalachian is coming off of its first road sweep of the season over Wofford. The Mountaineers vaulted back into the rankings this week due to the sweep and a midweek win over High Point. East Tennessee State looks to rebound from being demolished in the desert last weekend by then 11th ranked Arizona. The Bucs were outscored 51-17 by the Wildcats.

Probable Starters

ASU Fr. RHP Jamie Nunn (4-0, 1.50 ERA) vs. ETSU So. RHP Jake Long (2-6, 4.46 ERA)

Jamie Nunn had his worst start of his career, but did not get carded with the loss. Instead, it was the regular relievers who gave up Appalachian’s second “bad loss” of the season. After Hector Crespo’s third home run of the season to lead off the seventh inning, the Appalachian pitching staff fell onto some bad luck in the bottom of the inning. Ryne Frankoff retired one batter in the ETSU sixth inning, but came back and walked the first batter on four pitches in the sixth. Regular setup man Tyler Moore came in and through eight pitches, but four of them went for base hits. After the damage was done, Appalachian trailed 6-3 with only two at bats remaining. The Mountaineers traded runs with the Bucs in the 8th inning, but lost for the first time in eight games.

Despite the loss, there were several good performances turned out by Appalachian. Chad Farmer and Jordan Jessup maintained a one run deficit for four innings. They scattered three hits and recorded four strikeouts. First baseman Trey Holmes was 4-4 with an RBI, raising his average to .254 on the season. Preston Troutman (.277) was 3-4 with an RBI. Tyler Tewell (.391) was 2-4 and Brandon Burris was 2-5.