Shenandoah survives with win over Cougars

DANVILLE, Va. - Shenandoah's Gerry Sasse shutdown Averett Thursday, allowing only five Cougar hits and no runs in a 1-0 win in the play-in game of the USA South Conference Baseball Tournament at Dan Daniel Park.

Shenandoah (20-16) scored one run in the bottom of the fifth inning on an RBI double by Matt McCormick, which scored Jasen Eberz. Eberz reached earlier in the inning on a single to left field. That turned out to be the only run of the contest.

The game was a pitcher's dual, as the teams combined for a mere 11 hits in the contest. Averett starter Kenny Payne struck out eight and allowed only six hits, while the Hornets' Sasse fanned four and allowed five hits in a complete game effort.

Adam Duckett had two hits to lead Shenandoah, while J.T. Hyler went 3-for-4 for the Cougars. Jason Inge was 2-for-3 for Averett.