Rams fall 5-2 in 13 innings

MOBILE, Ala. -- Jake Smith hit a two-out, two-run triple in the top of the 13^th inning to break open a 2-2 tie and lift the sixth-ranked William Carey College Crusaders to a 5-2 victory over the University of Mobile (18-23) in 13 innings Friday afternoon on the University of Mobile campus in Mobile, Ala.

The Rams loaded up the bases in the bottom of the twelfth inning with just one out but grounded into a double play ending the threat.

John Price (7-2) started the game for the Rams going seven innings and allowing just one earned run on seven hits.  Chris Copeland (1-5) started the top of the eighth inning and went four solid innings allowing just four hits and no runs while striking out three.

Mobile jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning before the visiting Crusaders answered with a run of their own in the top half of the second inning.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, Mobile again retook the lead after Tim Watson (3-for-5, 2B, 3B) led the inning off with a triple and Jud McWain promptly followed with an RBI double.  However, again the Crusaders would come back in the top of the sixth inning to tie the game at 2-2.

Ron McMillan (1-1) took the loss, allowing three runs (two earned) on two hits and walking one batter in one inning of work.

The two teams will return to the field tomorrow, Saturday, April 24 when they meet in the first game of a doubleheader at 1 p.m.