Falcons Drop Two to UNCP In Season Opener

PEMBROKE, NC - Saint Augustine’s College opened the 2008 baseball season by losing 9-0 in the first game and 11-1 in the second game to UNC Pembroke on Wednesday (Feb. 13). Fidell George led the Falcons in the second game, going 2-for-3 with a double and the team’s only RBI. UNCP (7-2 overall) outhit the Falcons 24-7 in the two games.

Falcons Split Doubleheader With Southern Virginia

CARY, NC – Freshman Josh Bishop (Richmond, VA) scored on a passed ball in the eight inning, giving Saint Augustine's College a 7-6 win over Southern Virginia in the second game of a non-conference baseball doubleheader at USA Baseball Complex on Thursday (Feb. 14).

The victory was the first in four games for the Falcons, who lost 4-3 in the first game of the doubleheader. Southern Virginia evened its record at 2-2.

Bishop was 5-for-8 in the two games, including 3-for-5 with a double in the second game. Freshman Chris Vette (Hampton, VA) led the Falcons in the second game, going 3-for-4 with two doubles.

The Falcons visit Coker in a nine-inning game on Tuesday (Feb. 19). Game time is 2 p.m.

Coker Tops Falcons In Baseball 14-9

HARTSVILLE, SC – Junior Daniel Moore (Rockwell, MD) was 2-for-4 with a double and three RBIs for Saint Augustine’s College, but the Falcons dropped a 14-9 baseball decision to Coker College at Tom J. New Field on Tuesday (Feb. 19).

The Falcons fell to 1-4 on the season, while Coker College improved to 6-6.

For the Falcons, freshman Rashad Ingram (Savannah, GA) was 2-for-3 with a double, one RBI and three runs scored, and sophomore Clyde Fuller (Pleasant Grove, NC) came off the bench to go 2-for-2 with two RBIs and two runs scored.

Trailing 8-1 through five innings, the Falcons scored four runs in the sixth inning to trim the lead to three runs. But the Cobras added four runs in the sixth to push the lead to 12-5.

Pitcher Justin Collier was the winner for Coker, allowing one run on two hits in five innings of work. Moore was the pitching loser for the Falcons, allowing seven runs on eight hits in four innings.

The Falcons host Paine in a doubleheader at USA Baseball Complex in Cary, NC on Friday (Feb. 22). The first game starts at noon.

Falcons-Paine College Baseball Game Postponed

RALEIGH, NC – The college baseball game between Saint Augustine's College and Paine College on Friday (Feb. 22) at USA Baseball Complex has been postponed due to inclement weather. The non-conference contest will be rescheduled at an undetermined date.

March 12, 2008

Vias gets two hits in Saint Augustine’s baseball loss to UNC Pembroke

March 4, 2008

Falcons, NCCU Split Baseball Doubleheader

CARY, NC – Saint Augustine’s College scored three runs in the fifth inning and held on for a 3-1 win over North Carolina Central University in the first game of a baseball doubleheader on Tuesday (March 4) at USA Baseball Complex. In the second game, NCCU rallied for a 6-3 victory.

The win was the first over NCCU in five tries since the Division I Eagles started their baseball program last season.

The Falcons (4-5) got RBI singles from freshman Rashard Ingram (Savannah, GA) and senior Fidell George (Chicago, IL), and an RBI sacrifice fly from freshman Chris Vette (Hampton, VA) in the bottom of the fifth inning. For the game, Ingram was 2-of-3 with a double and George was 2-of-3 to lead the Falcons.

Junior pitcher Frank Mendible (Venezuela) scattered five hits in seven innings to pick up the win. The Falcons averted danger when Mendible recorded a bases-loaded strikeout to end the top of the sixth inning.

In the second game, the Eagles (1-4) scored four runs in the last two innings to gain the win. The Eagles gained a 4-3 lead on Kurt Wilson’s two-RBI double down the third-base line in the top of the sixth inning. They added two more runs in top of the seventh inning on Robert Grant’s two-RBI double.

Both Wilson and Robert Landis were 2-of-4 hitting for the Eagles. Freshman Joseph Pierce (Montgomery, AL) was 2-of-2 with a triple and RBI to lead the Falcons, who had three triples in the game. Ingram and sophomore Kevin Johnson (Seattle, WA) also tripled for the Falcons.

The Falcons host Lincoln in a doubleheader on March 9 at USA Baseball Complex. The first game starts at noon.

March 14, 2008

Falcons, Voorhees Split Baseball Twinbill

DENMARK, SC – Saint Augustine's College won the first game 10-8 but host Voorhees bounced back to take the second game 4-3 in a baseball doubleheader Friday (March 14).

In the first game, Kevin Johnson (Seattle, WA) led the Falcons, going 2-for-2 with a triple and three RBIs and hurling a six-hitter in five innings. Josh Bishop (Richmond, VA) went 2-for-5 with and RBI, and Chris Vette (Hampton, VA), AJ Burnette (Annapolis, MD) and Daniel Moore (Rockwell, MD) added an RBI apiece.

In the second game, Alejandro Crisostomo (Dominican Republic) went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs, and Fidell George (Chicago, IL) added an RBI for the Falcons. The doubleheader was the fourth in five days on the road for the Falcons (9-10), who return home to host Virginia State today (March 15) in a CIAA opener at USA Baseball Complex starting at 6 p.m. The home evening doubleheader is the first in recent memory for the Falcons.

March 9, 2008

Falcons Take Two From Lincoln

CARY, NC – Saint Augustine’s College rolled over Lincoln (Pa.) 14-4 and 10-0 in a nonconference baseball doubleheader Sunday (March 9) at USA Baseball Complex. The victories pushed the Falcons to 6-5 overall, which already matches last year’s win total. The Falcons got timely hitting and took advantage of Lincoln miscues to sweep both games.

The Falcons collected 17 hits in two games, and the Lions (0-11) committed 12 errors. Senior A.J. Burnette (Annapolis, MD) was 3-for-5 with two doubles and four RBIs and freshman Chris Vette (Hampton, VA) was 3-for-4 with two doubles in both games for the Falcons. Freshman Rashard Ingram (Savannah, GA) was 3-for-6 with a double, triple and one RBI and had five stolen bases. Ingram also was the winning pitcher in the second game.

Burnette was 2-for-2 with three RBI and freshman Joseph Pierce (Montgomery, AL) and sophomore Kevin Johnson (Seattle, WA) both added an RBI in the first game for the Falcons, who erupted for eight runs in the first inning. The Falcons took advantage of eight Lion errors to win easily. Sophomore pitcher Steven Chambers (Hampton, VA) scattered seven hits and recorded seven strikeouts in five innings to gain the win.

In the second game, pitchers Ingram, Vette and freshman Kevin White (Dunn, NC) combined on a three-hitter in the six-inning contest, striking out eight batters. White allowed two hits and recorded five strikeouts in the last three innings. Vette was 3-for-3 and scored three runs in the second game. Freshman David Henderson (Warrenton, NC) drove in two runs on a single.

The Falcons visit Benedict Monday (March 10) in Benedict, SC, in a doubleheader starting at noon. This is the second of six opponents the Falcons will play this week.

March 13, 2008

Falcons host Virginia State Saturday in Rare Evening Baseball Doubleheader

CARY, NC – For the first time in recent memory, Saint Augustine’s College will host an evening baseball doubleheader.

The Falcons face Virginia State on Saturday (March 15) at USA Baseball Complex with the first game starting at 6 p.m.

The Falcons are playing their home games at USA Baseball Complex on 200 Brooks Park Lane this season. For directions, log on to http://townofcary.org/depts/prdept/sports/usabaseball.

March 22, 2008

Falcons Lose Baseball Doubleheader To Shaw

RALEIGH, NC – Josh Bishop (Richmond, VA) and Fidell George (Chicago, IL) belted two home runs apiece for Saint Augustine's College, but host Shaw swept the Falcons 11-4 in the first game and 10-6 in the second game Saturday (March 22) of a CIAA baseball doubleheader between crosstown rivals at Lions Park. The losses dropped the Falcons to 11-12 overall and 0-2 in the CIAA, while the Bears improved to 19-7 and 4-0.

In the first game, Bishop hit a lead-off homer and George homered three batters later for a 2-0 Falcon lead in the first inning. But the Bears scored five runs in the bottom of the inning and led the rest of the way. Avery Bryant led the Bears with five RBIs on 3-for-4 hitting. Bishop went 2-for-4 for the Falcons.

In the second game, George’s three-run homer highlighted a five-run fourth inning as the Falcons pulled within 7-6. But the Bears scored two runs in the fourth inning and one run in the sixth inning to preserve the win.

Averill Bryant went 5-for-7 with six RBIs combined in both games for the Bears. The Falcons visit North Carolina Central at Durham Bulls Athletic Park on Sunday (March 23) in a rematch between former CIAA rivals. The first game starts at 1 p.m. Both teams split the first meeting March 4 with the Falcons winning the first game 3-1 and the Division I Eagles taking the second game 6-3.

March 23, 2008

Saint Augustine's-Elizabeth City State Baseball Game Postponed

CARY, NC – The Saint Augustine’s College-Elizabeth City State baseball game scheduled for Monday (March 31) at USA Baseball Complex has been postponed to an undetermined date due to inclement weather.

The Falcons are scheduled to host Coker at USA Baseball Complex on Wednesday (April 2) at 6 p.m. It will be the Falcons’ first evening home game in recent memory.

March 26, 2008

Falcons, Trojans Split Baseball Doubleheader

CARY, NC – Frank Mendible (Venezuela) hurled a five-hit shutout to lift Saint Augustine's College over Virginia State 4-0 in the first game of a CIAA baseball doubleheader at USA Baseball National Training Complex on Wednesday (March 26). In the second game, the Falcons’ rally fell short in an 11-10 loss.

Mendible recorded seven strikeouts in seven innings in the first game. Chris Vette (Hampton, VA) went 2-for-3 with two RBIs and Joseph Pierce (Montgomery, AL) went 2- for-3 and drove in a run for the Falcons, who sealed the win with three runs in the sixth inning.

In the second game, the Falcons (12-15, 1-3 CIAA) nearly erased an 11-5 deficit but relief pitcher Nathan Anger of the Trojans got a strikeout for the final out with the tying run on second base.

Daniel Moore (Rockwell, MD) went 2-for-4 with a double and four RBIs and Josh Bishop (Richmond, VA) went 3-for-5 with a double and two RBIs for the Falcons. Pierce added an RBI triple and Alejandro Crisostomo (Dominican Republic) knocked in a run.

Daniel Cornett went 1-for-4 with a double and three RBIs to spark the Trojans (11-16, 6- 4 CIAA) in the second game.

Both teams play another doubleheader, this time in Petersburg, VA, on Saturday (March 29) starting at noon.

March 27, 2008

Bishop Selected CIAA Offensive Player of the Week

Josh Bishop (Richmond, VA) of Saint Augustine's College was named CIAA Offensive Baseball Player of the Week on Wednesday (March 26).

Bishop, a freshman catcher and outfielder, went 10-for-22 for a .455 batting average and six RBIs in six games.

Against Baptist Bible College on March 20, Bishop went 5-for-5 with two doubles and four RBIs in the second game of a doubleheader. He also hit two home runs against crosstown rival Shaw on March 22.

March 29, 2008

Moore Hurls Shutout As Falcons Sweep Trojans

ETTRICK, VA – Daniel Moore (Rockwell, MD) pitched a four-hit shutout as Saint Augustine's College edged Virginia State 1-0 in the first game of a CIAA baseball doubleheader at Colbert Field on Saturday (March 29). In the second game, the Falcons pulled out a 6-5 win.

In the first game, Kevin Johnson (Seattle, WA) scored in the first inning for the Falcons (14-15, 3-3 CIAA).The lead held up as Moore recorded 10 strikeouts and walked only two batters to pick up the win. Rashard Ingram (Savannah, GA) collected the Falcons’ only hit on a seventh-inning bunt.

In the second game, six Falcons each collected a hit including Johnson, Ingram, Josh Bishop (Richmond, VA), David Henderson (Warrenton, NC), Joseph Pierce (Montgomery, AL) and Fidell George (Chicago, IL). Pierce had an RBI triple and Johnson had an RBI single for the Falcons.

Clyde Bailey (Washington, DC) struck out seven batters to gain the win. The Falcons host Elizabeth City State in a CIAA doubleheader at USA Baseball Complex in Cary, NC, on Monday (March 31). The first game begins at 1 p.m.

March 31, 2008

NCCU Sweeps Falcons In Baseball Doubleheader

DURHAM, NC – North Carolina Central topped Saint Augustine’s College 3-2 in the first game and 4-0 in the second game of a baseball doubleheader at Durham Bulls Athletic Park on Easter Sunday (March 23).

In the first game, the Falcons (11-14 overall) tied the score 2-2 in the fourth inning when Alejandro Crisostomo (Dominican Republic) hit an RBI double and later stole home. But the Division I Eagles (6-15) won the game in the eighth inning on Kyle Davis’ RBI single. For the Eagles, Robert Landis went 2-for-3 and David Scott drove in two runs.

Douglas Dailey of the Eagles tossed a five-hitter and recorded 11 strikeouts to gain the victory. The Falcons’ Daniel Moore (Rockwell, MD) hurled a six-hitter and struck out six in 7 1/3 innings in a losing cause.

In the second game, Brandon Oatis pitched a four-hit shutout and had six strikeouts in seven innings for the win. Joseph Pierce (Montgomery, AL) gave up eight hits in six innings for the loss.

Fidell George (Chicago, IL) went 2-for-3 to lead the Falcons. Tye Gray went 2-for-3 with two RBIs, and Gene Suarez went 2-for-4 to spark the Eagles in the second game.

The Falcons host Virginia State in a CIAA doubleheader at USA Baseball Complex in Cary, NC on Wednesday (March 26). The first game begins at noon.

April 2, 2008

Falcons Fall To Coker 3-0 In Baseball

CARY, NC - Joseph Pierce (Montgomery, AL) had two of Saint Augustine’s College’s six hits in a 3-0 loss to Coker on Wednesday (April 2) in a non-conference baseball contest at USA Baseball Complex.

The contest was much closer than the first meeting, won by Coker 14-9 on Feb. 19. Six Cobra pitchers combined to shut out the Falcons (14-16 overall), who committed four errors which led to two unearned runs.

Other Falcons who collected hits were Josh Bishop (Richmond, VA), Rashard Ingram (Savannah, GA), AJ Burnette (Annapolis, MD) and Chris Vette (Hampton, VA). Scott Amann went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI for the Cobras (14-26), who totaled nine hits.

Pitcher Jesse Hatchell gained the win for the Cobras, and Frank Mendible (Venezuela) got the loss for the Falcons despite giving up one earned run in six innings. This was the first time the Falcons hosted an evening home game in recent memory. The Falcons return to CIAA action on Thursday (April 3) when they host Saint Paul’s in a doubleheader at USA Baseball Complex starting at 1 p.m.

Falcons Dominate CIAA Weekly Baseball Honors

HAMPTON, VA – Centerfielder Joseph Pierce (Montgomery, AL) of Saint Augustine’s College was named CIAA baseball player of the week, and pitcher Daniel Moore (Rockwell, MD), second baseman Kevin Johnson (Seattle, WA) and Head Coach Thomas Wood of the Falcons also won weekly league awards on Wednesday (April 2).

Moore was selected CIAA pitcher of the week, and Johnson was chosen CIAA defensive player of the week. Wood was named CIAA coach of the week.

The four were honored after leading the Falcons to three wins in four games over Virginia State last week. Pierce went 6-for-13 for a .462 batting average, two triples and three RBIs in four games, and he also had four stolen bases and seven putouts in centerfield. Moore hurled a four-hit shutout and recorded 10 strikeouts in a 1-0 win over Virginia State on March 29, and Johnson had eight putouts and six assists in four games.

Wood, the first-year Falcon coach, has led the Falcons to 14 wins this season which more than doubles last year’s win total (6).

April 3, 2008

Falcons Topple Saint Paul’s Twice In Baseball

CARY, NC – Saint Augustine's College got good pitching from Steven Chambers (Hampton, VA) and Terry Townsend (Dillon, NC), and excellent hitting from Joseph Pierce (Montgomery, AL) and Clyde Fuller (Pleasant Grove, NC) to sweep Saint Paul’s 5-1 and 10-0 in a CIAA baseball doubleheader at USA Baseball Complex on Thursday (April 3).

The wins evened the Falcons’ record at 16-16 overall. More importantly, the Falcons stay near the top of the CIAA standings at 5-3. The Tigers dropped to 4-16 including 0-10 in the CIAA.

In the first game, Chambers allowed three hits and recorded nine strikeouts in seven innings to improve to 3-0. David Henderson (Warrenton, NC) went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs and Rashad Ingram (Savannah, GA), Johnathan Guerra (Fayetteville, NC), and Townsend each added an RBI for the Falcons, who had six hits.

In the second game, Townsend hurled a two-hit shutout in five innings for his first win (1-0). Fuller went 3-for-3 with a double and four RBIs and Pierce, the CIAA player of the week, went 4-for-4 with a triple and an RBI for the Falcons, who also got RBIs from Josh Bishop (Richmond, VA), Chris Vette (Hampton, VA) and Ingram. The Falcons had nine hits as a team.

The Falcons take a break before visiting Elizabeth City State in a CIAA doubleheader in Elizabeth City, NC on April 9. The first game starts at 1 p.m.

April 9, 2008

Pierce, Chambers Win CIAA Baseball Weekly Honors

HAMPTON, VA - Joseph Pierce (Montgomery, AL) of Saint Augustine’s College was named CIAA baseball player of the week for the second straight time, and Steven Chambers (Hampton, VA) of the Falcons was chosen CIAA pitcher of the week on Wednesday (April 9).

Pierce went 6-for-8 for a .750 batting average, a triple and one RBI in three games last week. He also had two stolen bases and recorded four putouts.

Pierce is second in the CIAA with 19 stolen bases behind league leader and teammate Rashad Ingram (Savannah, GA), who has 25 stolen bases.

Pierce collected his CIAA-tying fifth triple of the season and an RBI in the second game of a doubleheader against Saint Paul’s on April 3. In that game, Pierce went 4-for-4 to lead the Falcons to a 10-0 win.

In the first game of that doubleheader, Chambers hurled a three-hitter and recorded nine strikeouts in seven innings of a 5-1 win over Saint Paul’s in his only pitching appearance of the week. Chambers is 3-0, best among Falcon pitchers, and has a 3.43 ERA.

April 17, 2007

Vias, Bell, Thomas Earn All-CIAA Honors

Justin Vias (Hampton, VA) of Saint Augustine’s College was named to the 2007 All-CIAA baseball team, and Ontario Bell (Gastonia, NC) also of Saint Augustine’s College was selected to the 2007 All-CIAA baseball rookie team on Monday, April 16, 2007.

Vias, a junior chosen as a utility player, ranked fourth in the CIAA in batting average (.443) entering last week. The Falcons’ ace pitcher, Vias also has played catcher, third base, left field, shortstop and designated hitter. In addition to leading the Falcons in batting average, Vias leads the Falcons in hits, triples, runs scored and sacrifice flies.

Bell, a freshman pitcher and outfielder, was among the team leaders in batting average, hits, runs scored, doubles and stolen bases.

Several days earlier, Saint Augustine’s College’s Chrishauna Thomas (Suitland, MD was named to the 2007 All-CIAA softball second team. Thomas, a senior, plays left field for the Lady Falcons.

April 16, 2008

Four Falcons Named To All-CIAA Baseball Rookie Team

HAMPTON, Va. - Outfielder Joseph Pierce (Montgomery, AL), utility player Kevin White (Dunn, NC), catcher/first baseman Alejandro Crisostomo (Dominican Republic) and shortstop Rashard Ingram (Savannah, GA) of Saint Augustine's College were voted to the 2008 All-CIAA Baseball Rookie Team on Tuesday (April 15).

Pierce, a two-time CIAA player of the week, is second on the team in batting (.354), steals (23) and RBIs (22). His five triples are tops on the team. Ingram leads the team and ranks seventh in the nation in steals (31). He is second on the team in hits (41) and third in batting (.347).

White's 23 defensive assists are third on the team, and Crisostomo is fourth on the team in runs (21).

The foursome helped the Falcons go from 6 wins in 2007 to 20 wins in 2008.

April 18, 2007

FALCONS OUST SHAW FROM CIAA BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

PETERSBURG, VA - Saint Augustine's College scored eight runs in the 11th inning to eliminate crosstown rival Shaw 17-9 from the 2008 CIAA Baseball Championships on Thursday night (April 17) at Virginia State University.

The Falcons (21-22) will face either Virginia State or Elizabeth City State today (April 18) at 2 pm. Shaw, the regular-season champion, finishes its season at 29-9.

Chris Vette had four RBIs and Josh Bishop and Joseph Pierce each had three RBIs for the Falcons, who gained a measure of revenge after going 0-4 against the Bears during the regular season. Alex Crisostomo, Rashad Ingram and Wayne Fuller each added two RBIs.

Daniel Moore gained the win, and Frank Mendible got the save for the Falcons.

The game went into extra innings after the Bears scored a run in the bottom of the ninth to tie the score at 9. Earlier in the inning, two Bear outfielders collided on a pop fly which allowed two Falcon runs.

The Falcons led 7-3 early until the Bears scored five runs in the sixth inning for an 8-7 lead.

Earlier Thursday, the Falcons lost 12-5 to Virginia State which put them in the elimination bracket.

April 19, 2007

FALCONS LOSE TO VIRGINIA STATE 14-7 IN CIAA BASEBALL FINALS

PETERSBURG, VA - Saint Augustine's College's bid for a CIAA baseball crown fell short in a 14-7 loss to Virginia State in the championship game at VSU's Whaley Colbert Field on Saturday (April 19).

The Trojans won their second straight championship and fourth in six years while the Falcons (22-23) were seeking their first title since 1998.

The Falcons, making their first appearance in the title game since 2003, hurt themselves with six errors, which helped the Trojans score nine runs combined in the second and third innings. The rally erased a 2- 0 Falcon lead in the first inning.

One highlight for the Falcons was a three-RBI triple in the top of the ninth by outfielder Joseph Pierce, one of four Falcons on the all-tournament team. The other Falcons who made the squard were pitcher Frank Mendible, short stop Jonathan Guerra and outfielder/catcher Josh Bishop.

April 19, 2007

FALCONS MAKE FIRST CIAA FINALS APPEARANCE IN FIVE YEARS

PETERSBURG, VA - Kevin Johnson's RBI single lifted Saint Augustine's College past Elizabeth City State 7- 6 in 11 innings Friday (April 18) and sent the Falcons to the CIAA baseball finals for the first time since 2003.

The Falcons (22-22) will have to beat Virginia State twice today (April 19) on the Trojans' home field to win their first CIAA title since 1998. The Trojans, unbeaten in the tournament, defeated Elizabeth City State 10-8 earlier Friday to reach the championship round. The Trojans only need one win for their second straight title. The first game starts at 1 pm, and the second game, if necessary, begins at 4 pm at Virginia State's Whaley Colbert Field.

Johnson's two-out game-winning hit scored Josh Bishop, who reached base on a hit-by-pitch and stole second. The single capped a great day for Johnson, who went 3-for-6 with a home run, triple and two RBIs. Daniel Moore went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs and Joseph Pierce went 2-for-5 with a triple and RBI for the Falcons.

Both teams each scored three runs in the 10th inning after the Vikings forced extra innings with two runs in the ninth for a 3-3 tie. It was the second straight tournament win in extra innings for the Falcons, who beat crosstown rival Shaw 17-9 in 11 innings on Friday (April 17).

Frank Mendible was the winning pitcher and Daniel Moore got the save for the Falcons.

Elizabeth City State ended its season at 7-30 overall.

The Falcons went 3-1 against the Trojans during the regular season, but the Trojans opened the CIAA Championships with a 12-5 victory over the Falcons on Friday (April 17). It is the only tournament loss for the Falcons.