A three-run sixth inning proved to be just enough yesterday, as the Mary Washington College baseball team rallied to beat St. Mary's 6-4 yesterday in the first round of the Capital Athletic Conference tournament.

The Eagles advanced to tomorrow's second round--at home against third-seeded York, which beat fourth-seeded Catholic 12-3 yesterday--by playing steady defense and stringing together hits when it counted.

The hits just kept coming yesterday at Dickinson Stadium. MWC and fifth-seeded St. Mary's had 29 between them. The hitting was balanced, as the Eagles had 15 and the Seahawks had 14.

But the hits that counted most were Mary Washington's in the sixth inning.

"We knew we had to continue to hit big and not let up with the way they were hitting all game," MWC junior outfielder Jon Hurd said.

In the crucial sixth inning, the Eagles went from a 3-2 deficit to a 5-3 advantage--a lead they never relinquished. MWC's first five batters in the inning got on base via four singles and an error.

Center fielder Mike Drummond led off the frame with a single up the middle.

"It's about time my batting came around. I've been struggling a bit coming back," said Drummond, who was three-for-four with two RBIs yesterday after missing a month of action earlier in the season with a dislocated shoulder.

Shortstop Marc Logan, making his second start in place of injured starter Matt Lemire, followed with another hit to center field that moved Drummond to third.

Next up was second baseman John Chiles, a former Louisa High School standout who prefers low pitches. St. Mary's junior pitcher Kenny Williams gave Chiles just what he wanted. His grounder into left field knocked in Drummond to tie the game at 3.

"I hit those pitches really well. I must have had 20 hits this year when they come off low like that," said Chiles, who was three-for-five with one RBI yesterday.

MWC catcher Robbie Wright came to bat with two runners on base and no outs. His smash was corralled for an out at second, but St. Mary's shortstop Travis Herrick overthrew first base, allowing Logan to score and Wright to scamper to second.