CULLOWHEE, NC -- Freshman Jared Burton tossed seven complete innings and only allowed one run as Western Carolina defeated Elon, 3-1, in the second game of a doubleheader played here Saturday afternoon. Elon (27-20) won the first game of the day, 10-4.

Burton (2-3), earned his first win since defeating Wright State on Feb. 19, allowing one run on four hits, walking one and striking out five.

WCU (12-31) got all the runs it needed in the third inning. Freshman Rod Goldston drew a one-out walk to load the bases and senior Austin Smithwick lifted a fly ball into deep right field, plating senior Tracy Biggs. Freshman Jeremy Hamrick then scored from third base on a wild pitch by Whit Bryant. The Cats added another run in the fourth.

Jim Swenson homered in the second inning for the Fightin' Christians' only run of the game. Bryant (2-3) picked up the loss, giving up three runs on five hits and two walsk, while striking out five.

Elon scored four runs in the first three innings of game one to gain a lead it would never relinquish. Scott Clark hit a two-run homer, his third of the season, in the second inning to give Elon a 4-0 lead.

Leading 4-1 headed into the seventh inning, Elon scored three unearned runs in the inning as Western committed four errors.

Four Elon players recorded multiple hits in the game, led by Clark, who was 2-for-4 with two runs batted in and a run scored.

Brad Pinkerton (5-4) pitched seven strong innings, holding the Cats to four hits and fanning five. Freshman Ryan Basner (3-5) was tagged with the loss as he gave up seven hits, four runs and walked five in five innings of work.

The two teams will conclude their three-game series on Sunday, April 23, at Hennon Stadium. The first pitch is scheduled to be thrown at 1 p.m. It'll be WCU's final home game of the season and final home game for seniors Tracy Biggs, Aaron Kirby and Austin Smithwick.

-- ELON --