Emory University freshman right fielder Brandon Hannon went three-for-four with three RBIs and three runs scored, and had a game-saving outfield assist in the top of the ninth inning, leading the Eagles to a 14-13 win over DePauw University on Tuesday.
The Eagles almost let the game slip away, despite leading by 12 runs heading into the top of the ninth. DePauw plated 11 runs in the inning, capped off by a bases loaded double for Jason Cohen, scoring three runs. With a runner on second and two outs, Alex Wright singled to right field, and pinch runner Brett Linn tried to score, but was thrown out by Hannon in right field, his second outfield assist in as many games. Riebsame, catching just his fourth collegiate game, applied the tag for the out
Sophomore Caleb Long started the game for Emory, allowing just two unearned runs on two hits, while striking out seven and walking three in five and a third innings.
Emory got off to an early 1-0 lead in the game on a RBI single from Kevin O'Connor in the first inning, scoring Hannon from third base. After DePauw scored two in the top of the fifth to take a 2-1 lead, Emory answered back immediately with four in the bottom of the inning, including a go-ahead two-RBI single from Hannon.
Emory added on four more in the bottom of the seventh, including RBI hits from Hannon, Andrew Cohn, O'Connor, Patrick Riebsame and Daniel Iturrey. The Eagles extended their lead with a four-run bottom of the eighth, including two on a double from Mark Lindemann, the sophomore's first collegiate hit, giving the Eagles a 14-2 lead heading into the dramatic ninth inning.
Hannon raised his batting average during his freshman campaign to .529, and now has an 11-game hitting streak, matching the longest this season by an Eagle.
Senior Ryan Jones added a four-for-four day at the play with three runs scored for Emory, while Riebsame was two-for-five with a pair of RBI doubles.
Long earned the win to improve to 3-0 on the season with a 1.65 ERA, while Mike Bitanga earned his sixth save of the campaign. Freshman starter Sean Brennen, making his first collegiate start, took the loss on the day to fall to 0-1 on the season.
The Eagles will return to action tomorrow, hosting Centre College at 3:00 PM.
