Emory University sophomore Brett Lake delivered a pinch-hit walk-off single in the bottom of the tenth inning to drive in the game-winning run and give the Eagles a 6-5 victory over Oglethorpe University at Chappell Park on Tuesday afternoon.
After Oglethorpe reliever Joseph Marco retired the first batter in the 10th, Emory picked up back-to-back hits from Daniel Iturrey and Chris Slivka, followed by a walk to Dylan Eisner to load the bases with one out. With the infield pulled in, Lake, making his first appearance in over a month, grounded a ball past the shortstop and into left field, scoring Iturrey from third.
It was the first walk-off win this season by the Eagles, as they improved to 18-14 for the season. The loss dropped Oglethorpe to 12-23 for the year.
Emory jumped out to a 5-0 lead after three innings, scoring a run in the second frame and four more in the third, including a two-RBI single from Jared Kahn.
Meanwhile, starter Connor Dillman cruised through his first seven innings of work, allowing just two hits and three walks, while striking out nine entering the eighth. However, Dillman issued a pair of walks and an RBI single to begin the eighth, and the Emory bullpen gave up another four in the frame, as Oglethorpe tied the score at 5-5.
Sophomore Graham Bloomsmith entered the tied game with one out and two runners on in the eighth. After walking the first batter, he induced an inning ending double play, and then retired the next six batters in a row.
Bloomsmith earned the victory, improving to 2-2 on the season. Marco took the loss in relief for Oglethorpe, falling to 0-2.
The Eagles will return to action tomorrow, hosting Maryville College (Tenn.) at 3:30 PM.