The Emory University baseball team twice faced a five-run deficit against Washington & Lee University on Tuesday, but battled back each time, finally taking the lead in the ninth, as freshman Brandon Hannon scored on a wild pitch to give the Eagles an 11-10 win over the Generals.

The Eagles fell behind early in the contest, as the Generals scored three runs in the first inning and two in the second off starting pitcher Chris Monaco, who was working on just three days rest.  The Eagles answered back with a five-run bottom of the second inning, keyed by two-RBI hits from freshman catcher Jared Welch and senior first baseman Ryan Jones.  A RBI single from junior second baseman Kevin O’Connor with two outs in the inning knotted the game at five runs apiece.

However, Washington and Lee would answer back with four runs in the third off junior Ryan Orlovsky and one more in the fifth off freshman Ryan Toscano, regaining a five-run lead, 10-5.  Toscano would settle down from the point on, going on to allow just one run on three hits, while striking out two, over three and a third innings.

The Eagles would begin their second comeback of the game in the fifth inning, as Welch drove in his third run of the game on a base hit.  In the sixth, Emory would pull back within three on a fielder’s choice from Jones that Hannon was able to score on all the way from second base.  However, the Eagles left the bases loaded in the inning, as the score stayed 10-7 heading into the seventh.

After a scoreless top of the seventh inning, the Eagles were able to load the bases with two outs for junior Jay Page, who entered the game for Jones in the top half of the inning.  Page hit a bases-clearing double off the top of the wall in left centerfield, tying the game at 10-10.

Freshman Matt McMahon entered the game in relief to start the eighth, and pitched a pair of hitless innings, walking one batter and striking one out, to keep the contest even heading into the bottom of the ninth.  With one out in the inning, Hannon doubled down the left field line, and senior Gabe Shivers executed a perfect bunt single past the pitcher to put runners on the corners.  With Page batting, Generals’ pitcher Eric Wisotsky threw a wild pitch, allowing Hannon to score the game-winning run from third.

McMahon earned his first collegiate victory, lowering his ERA to 1.12 through his first four appearances this season.  Welch, Jones and Page each drove in three runs during the contest, while Hannon finished the game two-for-two with two runs and two walks.

The Eagles have now won five-straight games, improving to 6-1 overall on the season, including a perfect 6-0 mark at home.  Washington & Lee dropped to 2-2 on the season with the loss.

Emory will return to action tomorrow, as the Eagles will wrap-up a six-game home stand with a 2:00 PM match up against LaGrange College at Chappell Park.