Jaguars rally to defeat Erskine 10-9 behind Chance, Turner
By Rodrigo Burgos Avila | Editor in chief
Augusta University baseball edged Erskine 10–9 on Tuesday afternoon, using timely hitting and late relief pitching to secure a one-run win.
The Jaguars totaled 15 hits and took advantage of four Erskine errors in a back-and-forth contest that featured multiple momentum swings. Augusta finished the game without committing an error and left 12 runners on base.
Senior shortstop Nolan Turner scored four runs and drove in one, helping spark the offense despite an early struggle at the plate.
“In the beginning of the game, I was struggling a little bit hitting, but later in the game I was able to turn it around when it matters,” Turner said. “Even though I struggled I still found ways to get on base and help my team out. I was trying to do too much at the plate, then I changed my approach and it worked out for us.”
Turner’s ability to reach base and score runs helped keep pressure on Erskine throughout the game as Augusta continued to answer every challenge.
Roland Chance delivered the biggest offensive performance of the day, finishing 4-for-5 with five RBIs and three runs scored. Chance repeatedly came through in key situations, driving in runs that kept Augusta within reach and eventually pushed the Jaguars ahead.
Erskine matched Augusta offensively, collecting 13 hits, but defensive miscues proved costly. The Flying Fleet committed four errors, which extended innings and created additional scoring opportunities for the Jaguars.
On the mound, Ty Cobb earned the win in relief, pitching 1 and two-thirds scoreless innings while allowing one hit and striking out four. Cobb issued one walk but limited Erskine’s chances late, helping Augusta preserve the narrow lead.
Turner said managing pressure was critical in a game that remained tight until the final outs.
“It was huge,” Turner said. “Both teams were applying pressure. Fortunately, ours was just more than theirs, and we came through in big moments and didn’t let the pressure get to us.”
Augusta finished with 37 at-bats, matching Erskine, and out-hit the Fleet 15–13. The Jaguars’ combination of timely offense, clean defense and late relief pitching proved decisive in the one-run victory.
The Jags will travel to West Alabama on Saturday, Feb. 7, to face Albany State at 4 p.m., followed by a short two-game series against West Alabama with the first game at 8 p.m. on Saturday and the second on Sunday, Feb. 8, at noon.
Contact Rodrigo Burgos Avila at rburgosavila@augusta.edu.
AU designated hitter Ty McClintock rounds first base for the Jaguars. At the top of the page, Davis Newman had a hit and a walk to help the Jaguar attack, which belted out 15 hits, including two homers by Roland Pace and one by Kent Moon. (photos by Paula Toole/the Bell Ringer)
