Tribe Knocks Off #11 North Carolina, 3-0, in Chapel Hill

03/09/10 6:03PM

Chapel Hill, N.C. - The William and Mary Tribe baseball team traveled south to Chapel Hill, North Carolina to face the No. 11-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels and came away with a 3-0 victory. With the win, the Tribe improves its record to 6-4, while UNC falls to 10-2 on the season.

Box Score

“We played very well in all three facets of the game today to beat a team like UNC,” head coach Frank Leoni said after the game. “I am very proud our effort and our team today.”

On the mound, the Tribe received a great start from sophomore Cole Shain, who pitched five scoreless innings, surrendering only two hits while striking out a career-high five batters.

At the plate on Tuesday, a trio of sophomores led the way for the College. Tadd Bower had two hits and two RBIs, while Chris Forsten had three hits. Stephen Arcure also had a pair of hits and drove in a run.

After five scoreless innings, the Tribe was able to get on the board first on Tuesday afternoon in the sixth inning. Leading off the frame was junior Derrick Osteen, who doubled to left field. Sophomore Stephen Arcure plated Osteen with a double of his own, taking a 1-1 offering down the left field line, giving the Tribe a 1-0 lead.

After a single to center field by sophomore Chris Forsten, the College had runners on first and second for Tadd Bower. On a 2-2 count, Bower chipped one to second base, scoring Arcure and advancing Forsten to second. On Bower’s RBI groundout, the Tribe extended the Green and Gold’s lead to 2-0 over the Tar Heels.

In the eighth inning, the Tribe would add to its lead over the nationally ranked Tar Heels. After Osteen was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning, Arcure singled to right to get two runners on for W&M. After a bunt single to the pitcher by Forsten, the Tribe had the bases loaded for Bower with no outs. Bower promptly brought home Osteen with a single to left, giving the Green and Gold a 3-0 lead.

After the fantastic start from Shain, the Tribe’s bullpen picked up right where he led off. Senior R.J. Archer made his debut for W&M and was impressive, working 1.1 innings, allowing only one hit and striking out one. After Archer’s outing, sophomore Matt Davenport continued to pitch well, closing out the final 2.2 innings, allowing only one hit and striking out one to earn his first save of the season.

The William and Mary Tribe baseball team will return to Williamsburg for a showdown with No. 1-ranked Virginia on Wednesday, March 10. First pitch for the game is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Plumeri Park.