May 12, 2008
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -
Wake Forest will put its six-game winning streak on the line when the Demon Deacons travel to Elon on Tuesday. First pitch for Wake's final non-conference test of the season is set for 2 p.m. at Latham Park.
The game was added as a makeup date for the teams' March 19 rainout. Wake Forest has already played at Elon once this season, falling 19-10 on April 22.
RHP Brandon Johnson (2-1, 6.94) will start for the Deacons on Tuesday, while RHP Steven Hensley (9-1, 3.03) is set to pitch for the Phoenix. Johnson pitched three innings of relief against Elon earlier this season. He allowed three runs on two hits with a pair of strikeouts. Hensley has made one appearance against the Deacs, starting a game in 2006. He allowed four runs on four hits in three innings of work, as Wake went on to win the game 9-8.
Wake Forest enters the game at 22-27 overall and 11-15 in the ACC. The Deacs are coming off a sweep of conference rival Duke last weekend in Winston-Salem. The three-game series was the final homestand at Gene Hooks Stadium. After playing at the venue for 28 seasons, Wake Forest will be moving to nearby Ernie Shore Field starting in 2009.
The Deacons have won six straight and are 7-2 since falling at Elon in late April. Wake is looking to continue the momentum into this week's critical series at Boston College. The Deacs need to win just one of the three games at BC in order to qualify for the ACC Tournament.
Elon comes in to the contest at 38-16 overall and 19-8 in Southern Conference play. The Phoenix have won four straight games but have not played since May 8. Tuesday's game is Elon's regular season finale.
Wake Forest leads the all-time series with Elon, 18-12. However, the Deacs have dropped three straight to the Phoenix.
Ocheltree is Wake's leading hitter against Elon, as he is batting .444 with five runs in three career games. Brett Linnenkohl has also hit well against Phoenix pitching in his career, hitting .417 in three games. Linnenkohl has scored five runs, driven in six RBIs, and belted two home runs. Dustin Hood is hitting .412 with six RBIs, while Allan Dykstra has hit .357 with four RBIs against Elon. Mike Murray has hit .375, going 3-for-8 over two games.
On the mound,
Matt Hammond has pitched four scoreless innings against the Phoenix.
Charlie Mellies has pitched five scoreless innings, striking out a combined six batters with no walks, in two career outings against Elon.
Phil Negus has thrown a pair of scoreless innings in his career against the Phoenix.
Wake Forest will wrap up the regular season May 15-17 at Boston College. If they qualify, the Deacons will play in the eight-team ACC Tournament May 21-25 in Jacksonville, Fla.
