Limestone sweeps Trojans

Published in Sports on March 6, 2005 2:09 AM

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MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive's defense struggled consistently during an afternoon, Carolinas-Virginia Athletic Conference double-header against Limestone as the Saints posted a sweep over the Trojans.

Mount Olive committed eight errors in the first game, leading to five unearned runs in a 7-5 loss in 13 innings. The second game saw the Saints benefit from two more unearned runs as they took a 5-2 decision.

The losses dropped the Trojans to 11-13 overall and 4-4 in the CVAC.

In game one, sophomore Jonathan Skelley went 2-4, slugging his first collegiate home run and driving in three runs. The blast to left field tied the game at 2-2 in the third inning. Limestone's David Wise finished 2-6 in the first game, while teammate Josh Cochran picked up the win on the mound.

Sophomore Philip Pennington got the start for the Trojans and gave up six hits and six runs (two earned), while striking out four and walking three in six innings of work. Junior Justin Staatz came on in relief and tossed the final seven innings. Staatz (2-2) struck out 10 and yielded only one hit and no earned runs, but picked up a tough loss.

An error led to Limestone's eventual game-winning run.

"Defensively in game one, we weren't very good. We made some critical errors early in the game and late in the game," Mount Olive coach Carl Lancaster said. "Pennington competed, but he wasn't as sharp as he was in the past. Staatz was unhittable. He had the best pitching performance of the day."

In game two, the Trojans' Josh Carter (sophomore) went 3-3 with an RBI, while teammate Nick Paniccia (senior) added an RBI double.

Senior Brian Corbett (1-2) picked up the loss, yielding three earned runs, eight hits with seven strikeouts and three walks.

Kevin Pucetas got the win in game two for Limestone.

Junior Donald Huff will likely start Sunday's game against the Saints. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.