Daniel earns two hits, scores twice

Box Score
BOONE, April 22, 2009 – The North Carolina A&T baseball team overcame a four-run deficit only to have that rally was foiled by an Appalachian State push late in the game to lead the Mountaineers to a 9-6 win over N.C. A&T Tuesday night.

The Aggies were led by Jaron Neal and Cyril Daniel who had two hits apiece. Nick Rogers chipped in with three RBIs. Chris Watson went the distance, striking out two over eight innings.

Watson got a boost from his offense in the seventh.  Trailing 5-1, reigning MEAC Rookie of the Week Marquis Riley led off the Aggie seventh with a single to left center field. Appalachian State starter Ryan Arrowood then walked Cyril Daniel to put runners on first and second.

Freshman Eric Chiz moved the runners into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt. The Mountaineers then turned to reliever Nick Daniels. Daniels opened his appearance by walking George Hines to lead the bases for the Aggies RBI-leader Xavier Macklin.

Macklin grounded out to third to score Riley. C.J. Beatty was walked for the 30^th time with his plate appearance to reload the bases. Rogers cleared those bases with a three-run RBI triple to tie the game at 5. Jaron Neal gave the Aggies their first lead of the game by singling home Rogers for a 6-5 advantage.

N.C. A&T held that lead until the eighth inning. Chris Alessandria’s groundout tied the game at 6. Nick DeRose gave the Mountaineers the lead for good with a RBI double down the left field line to give the Mountaineers a 7-6 advantage.

The Aggies will return to action against Davidson Wednesday night at 6 on the road.