MISENHEIMER, N.C. – A pair of leadoff doubles in the first and second innings led Francis Marion University to a 2-1 victory over Pfeiffer University, Saturday afternoon (Feb. 12) in non-conference baseball action.

Both starters worked eight innings apiece in the pitcher's duel that evens the Patriots' mark at 2-2, while the Falcons fall to 3-3.  The teams will wrap up their weekend series on Sunday with a 1 p.m. contest at Joe Ferebee Field.

In the top of the first, FMU freshman third baseman Michael Wilson took the first pitch of the game and lined it into center field for a double. After a lengthy at-bat, Tyler Boyd then drove home Wilson with a RBI-single to right, giving FMU an early 1-0 lead.

An inning later, junior designated hitter Jeff Gaston opened with a two-base hit to left-center, and later came around to score on Brooks Arnette's groundout to shortstop. Gaston had moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Sam Pepper.

Francis Marion starter Don Sandifer (1-1) cruised through the first seven frames before running into trouble in the Falcon eighth. After a leadoff double from Jon Gray, the Falcons would later load the bases as Kevin Price reached on an error and Jesse Dunn was intentionally walked. Jacob Yates followed with a one-out fielder's choice to second and he hustled to beat the double-play relay throw to first which allowed Gray to score. Sandifer then induced a groundball from Matt Wade to retire the side.

Sandifer needed 98 pitches, 65 of which were strikes, to finish his eight innings. He allowed just four hits and the one unearned run, walked one, and struck out seven. Senior righty Patrick Mincey worked a scoreless bottom of the ninth to pick up his first save of 2011.

Boyd was the lone Patriot with multiple hits as he was 2-for-4.

Pfeiffer's John McDaniel (0-1) suffered the tough-luck loss, pitching eight frames and allowing seven hits with three strikeouts.

Francis Marion 2, Pfeiffer 1 (Feb 12, 2011 at Misenheimer, NC)
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Francis Marion......    110 000 000  -  2  7  1      (2-2)
Pfeiffer............        000 000 010  -  1  5  2      (3-3)
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Pitchers: Francis Marion - Don Sandifer; Patrick Mincey (9) and Brian Paulhus. Pfeiffer -
McDaniel; Sullivan (9); Wilhelm (9) and Dunn.
Win-Don Sandifer (1-1)  Save-Patrick Mincey (1)  Loss-McDaniel (0-1)  T-2:09  A-179
Weather: Sunny - 53F - Wind 10-15 in RF

        Don Sandifer