Macklin records three RBIs

Box Score
DURHAM, N.C., March 23, 2009 – Chris Watson pitched a complete-game five-hitter and freshman Xavier Macklin knocked in three runs to help the North Carolina A&T baseball team win its third straight with a 7-2 victory over N.C. Central at the DBAP on Monday.

The game rescheduled game from March 15 happened to fall at a time the Aggies are pitching their best baseball of the season. For the second time in three games, an Aggies pitcher earned a complete-game victory. Watson’s victory however, was the Aggies first complete-game nine-inning triumph. Watson surrendered just one earned run and struck out eight Eagles.

The Aggies gave Watson all the security he would need with an impressive offensive showing in the fifth inning. With the Aggies leading 3-1, Eric Chiz earned a one-out walk that was followed by a two-out single by George Hines. Macklin then stepped up and hit a solid two-run double to give the Aggies a 5-1 lead. After a C.J. Beatty single advanced Macklin to third, N.C. Central starting pitcher Douglas Dalley let loose a wild pitch that allowed Macklin to score for a 6-1 lead.

Watson (1-0) took command from there, surrendering just two hits over the final four innings of the game. The Aggies did commit four errors, but the Eagles left six runners stranded over the final four innings. The Aggies improved to 6-13 on the season. In addition to his three RBIs, Macklin also homered for the second time this season. Beatty also had two hits and Lester Rivenbark added a two-run double.

The Aggies are back in action 3 p.m., Tuesday at Appalachian State.