Hines hands MT 10-8 win

Friday, March 13

Reese Smith Field

6:00 PM

Middle Tennessee

Arkansas State

3/14/2009 6:10:00 PM | Baseball

By: MT Athletic Communications

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Senior Nathan Hines hit a two-run home run to right field in the bottom of the 10th to hand Middle Tennessee a 10-8 win on Saturday afternoon after play resumed from a game that started on Friday night. Hines hit a solo shot to right field to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth to force extra innings and set-up the dramatic finish. It is the first time since May 8, 2008 that a Middle Tennessee player has hit home runs in consecutive at-bats. Hines ended the day 2 for 5 with two home runs and three RBI with juniors Drew Robertson and Stuart Meinhart and sophomore Tyler Burnett each adding assistance. Robertson led the group with four hits, one RBI and scored a runs. Junior Coty Woods picked up the win after entering the game in the ninth in a save situation. Woods allowed three runs on four hits in two innings of work. Middle Tennessee had eight hits with two doubles with ASU's two run home run in the fourth accounting for the only other multiple base hit. The Red Wolves entered the suspension with nine hits. Sophomore Bryce Brentz started the game on the mound and left with a no decision after allowing five runs on seven hits. Senior Brett Smalley entered the game in the fifth inning and had allowed just two hits and no runs in two innings before play was suspended. Middle Tennessee scored four runs on five hits to take a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the second. The Red Wolves closed the gap to two in the top of the fourth after scoring three runs on four hits, 5-3 MT. ASU tied the game at 5 in the top of the fifth after a two-run home run to right field. Middle Tennessee took a one run lead in the bottom of the seventh after play resumed on Saturday after Meinhart scored from second on an error by the shortstop. Meinhart led off the inning at the plate receiving a base on balls to reach base. ASU scored a run with one out in the bottom of the ninth after a triple by Murray Watts to centerfield. Watts' hit scored pinch runner Pace after Brandon Eller reached on a throwing error by Burnett. Then a sacrifice fly to right field scored Watts from third giving the Red Wolves a 7-6 lead. Hines hit his second home run of the season at the perfect time to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth. ASU broke the tie on a single to centerfield in the top of the 10th giving the Red Wolves an 8-7 lead. Meinhart doubled with two outs in the bottom of the 10th to keep the Blue Raiders alive as his hit tied the game at 8. The Blue Raiders are currently playing game two of the series which was originally set for 4 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.