Senior Wilson Morgan provided the dramatics in the 2017 season opener for the Emory University Baseball team, delivering a one-out run-scoring double in the bottom of the ninth to lift the Eagles to the 6-5 walk off victory over Sewanee University on Saturday afternoon at Chappell Park in Atlanta.
Sophomore NJ Kim led off the ninth with a pinch-hit single to center and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by senior Chris Young. On the first pitch he saw, Morgan smacked one over the right fielder's head, one-hopping the wall allowing Kim to score the game-winner easily from second. Morgan finished the game, going 2-for-4 at the dish with one RBI and one run scored.
After falling behind to the Tigers 2-0 with runs in the third and fourth innings, junior Bubby Terp launched a towering two-run home run into the trees over the left field fence to tie the game at 2-2 in the bottom of the fourth.
The Eagles tacked on three more an inning later to extend their lead to 5-2. Senior Jeff Ronpirin singled to right center to plate Young to make it 3-2. Following a walk to senior Philip Maldari, Terp came through again for Emory picking up a two-run single with the bases loaded to give the Eagles a three-run advantage. On the day, Terp collected three hits (3-for-3), two for extra bases and tied a career-high with four runs driven in.
Sewanee rallied in the top of the eighth, scoring three runs off of senior closer Kyle Monk. The Tigers led off the frame with a triple by Jack Cooper followed by three straight singles. After recording one out, Monk lost pinch-hitter Josh Roberts to a bases-loaded walk to cut the lead to 5-4. The next batter, Ryan Poole, drove in the tying in with a sac fly to center before Monk sent down the next two hitters.
Monk allowed a leadoff double to start the ninth but settled down to record three straight outs to keep the game tied headed into the bottom of the ninth. Despite having a blown save added to his ledger, Monk picked up his first win of the season. In three innings of work, Monk allowed three runs on five hits with one strikeout and one walk.
Senior Jackson Weeg started the game for the Eagles, working six innings and giving up two runs on four hits. He punched out six batters compared to three free passes.
Emory and Sewanee conclude their three-game series on Sunday afternoon with a doubleheader at Chappell Park. First pitch is set for 11:00 AM.