Walton powers Arkansas State to doubleheader sweep of Stony Brook
Lane Walton delivered at the plate and Arkansas State’s pitching staff did the rest as the Red Wolves swept a season-opening doubleheader from Stony Brook on Friday at Slayton Family Field at Tomlinson Stadium.
Arkansas State (2-0) opened the day with a 9-8 victory before closing with a 4-0 shutout of the Seawolves (0-2).
In the opener, graduate right-hander Chase Richter set the tone on the mound, allowing two hits and one run over 4 2/3 innings while striking out seven. Arkansas State built an early cushion, highlighted by Walton’s three-run home run in the fourth inning that pushed the lead to 8-0.
Stony Brook chipped away with a run in the fifth before erupting for five runs in the sixth to cut the deficit to two.
Arkansas State added what proved to be the decisive run in the eighth. Ashton Quiller singled and stole second before Patrick Engskov lined a single through the left side to score Quiller and extend the lead to 9-6.
Kole Turner entered with two outs in the ninth and recorded the final out to secure his first save of the season. Richter (1-0) earned the win, while Micha Worley (0-1) took the loss.
The nightcap belonged to Walton and the Red Wolves’ pitching staff.
Jack Nelson started on the mound and retired the first 10 batters he faced. He allowed only a walk in the fourth inning and finished after facing 19 hitters, earning the win in his season debut.
Walton wasted little time providing offense, launching a solo home run in the first inning. He added another solo shot to right-center in the third to extend the lead to 2-0.
Arkansas State added two more runs in the fifth. Walton doubled to score Derek Martinez, then came home on a fielding error to cap his four-RBI performance.
Houston Tomlinson made his collegiate debut in relief, pitching 2 2/3 innings with two strikeouts. Brett Foss entered with the bases loaded and struck out the final batter on five pitches to earn his first save.
Nelson (1-0) was credited with the win, while Hunter Colagranda (0-1) took the loss.
Arkansas State opens the season 2-0 and will continue its series against Stony Brook this weekend in Jonesboro.