Wingate, N.C.----Francis Marion University freshman pinch-hitter Ryan Hewitt blasted a three-run, bases clearing double off the left field fence with two outs in the top of the 10th inning to give 28th-ranked Francis Marion University a 5-2 win over Wingate University, Wednesday afternoon (Feb. 21) in a NCAA Division II baseball game.
 
The Bulldogs fall to 4-9, while FMU improves to 7-4.  FMU opens a three-game Peach Belt Conference series at USC Upstate on Saturday. 
 
Francis Marion broke the scoring open in the top of the first when senior outfielder Nick Stewart singled through the left side to drive home senior outfielder Derek Kennamer.  Wingate responded in the bottom half of the first when sophomore centerfielder Nick Siega-Riz led off the inning with a single through the right side. Siega-Riz advanced to second on a balk and then moved to third on a sacrifice bunt from senior second baseman Shaughn Neal. After a Bulldog out, senior first baseman Jay Barnes delivered a two-out RBI double just inside the left field line.
 
The game remained tied at 1-1 until the bottom of the sixth. With the bases empty, Bulldog senior designated hitter Josh Benton drove a 1-0 pitch over the right center field fence to give Wingate a 2-1 advantage. The solo home run was the third of the season for Benton.  The Patriots answered back with a run in the top of the eighth inning. Senior catcher Michael Ward led off the inning with a double off the fence in right field. Ward advanced to third on a groundout by Stewart. Sophomore third baseman Taylor Norfleet hit a sacrifice fly to left field to plate Ward.
 
Wingate threatened to end the game in the ninth inning. Freshman outfielder Michael Taylor reached on a fielder's choice and moved to third base on a two-out single down the right field line by sophomore catcher Blair Troutman. Wingate was unable to get Taylor home and the game would head to extra innings.
 
In the Patriot 10th inning, Ward laced a double to right center field to start the inning. Stewart followed with a bunt single to put runners at the corners with one out. After a hit batter, sophomore pitcher Brian Karcewski was able to get a strikeout and a fielder's choice to keep the Patriots scoreless. Pinch hitter Hewitt then delivered with a blast off the wall in left field, plating three. Hewitt was thrown out at third on the play to end the inning.
 
The Bulldogs had a runner reach first base in the 10th, but Patriot senior Brooks Sinquefield was able to close out the game for his third save of the year.  FMU junior right-hander Dylan Owen picked up the win in relief to improve to 2-1 on the season. Karcewski got the loss for the Bulldogs and falls to 2-1. 
 
Not to be forgotten was the stellar performances by both team's starters. Wingate sophomore Richard Allred went six innings on the bump, allowing one run and scattering eight hits. FMU junior Cole McKeller pitched seven innings of six-hit ball and allowed two runs.
 
Highlighting the Wingate offense was Benton with a two-for-five performance, including a double and home run. FMU was led by Ward and his two doubles in four at-bats. Stewart and senior first baseman Andy Howes had three singles each for the Patriots.