#TCCBaseball knocks off East Georgia State

By Andrew Miller, TCC Sports Information 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 3, 2017) - Although the Tallahassee Community College Eagles put on a hitting clinic in a 7-2 victory over East Georgia State College on Friday night, the real story for Tallahassee was on the mound. 

Freshman Hunter Tinsley made his first career collegiate start, shining in his debut. The Fort Myers, Fla., native would put together a memorable outing, pitching four innings, allowing zero earned runs and striking out two while setting up the Eagles (14-10) for their seventh straight victory. 

Tallahassee was first on the board, courtesy of an RBI-single from outfielder Myron Mebane in the bottom of the first inning. It marked the seventh consecutive game that Tallahassee scored a run in the opening frame. 

Tallahassee extended its lead in the second inning, with freshman second baseman Tanner Thomas driving in the second and final run of the frame on his second base hit of the game. 

It was much of the same in the third inning with Tinsley throwing a third straight scoreless inning and Tallahassee capitalizing in the bottom half, scoring its fourth run. 

Much of the credit for the early offense belonged to the top of the Eagles' lineup. Alongside Thomas, who started the game 2-for-2 with two RBIs in the leadoff spot, was the sophomore Mebane, hitting second in the lineup. The right fielder began the season 0-for-13 at the plate, however has turned his season around as of late, hitting 6-for-14 since, including 2-for-3 on Friday with two walks, an RBI and a run.   

In the fourth inning, Tallahassee tacked on another three runs, increasing its lead to 7-0. The Eagles have scored more runs in the fourth inning than any other inning this season. 

Another freshman, Jake Hunkiar (1-0), took over on the mound in the fifth inning and earned the victory. Hunkiar retired the first two batters he faced without allowing a run before shortstop Deyvid Silva committed an error, allowing the only two East Georgia State runs to score. 

Hunkiar would throw a total of two scoreless innings, striking out two while only allowing one hit. The right-handed hurler has not allowed an earned run in 5.2 innings over his past four appearances. 

Finishing out the game and halting any late comeback attempt from East Georgia State was Nick Marchese. The sophomore earned a well-deserved save after pitching three innings of scoreless baseball, striking out seven. 

Tallahassee will remain home on Saturday for a doubleheader. The Eagles will take on East Georgia State once again at 1 p.m. with a game vs. Grand Rapids (Mich.) Community College scheduled later in the evening at 6 p.m.