Baseball
 

March 5, 2009

DeSales Uses Four-run Fifth to Down Trinity

San Antonio - The DeSales University (Pa.) Bulldogs scored four runs in the top of the fifth inning and went on to beat the Tigers 11-8 Thursday in a non-conference game at E.M. Stevens Field.

The Tigers (7-8) held a 4-3 lead after two innings, until DeSales tied the score with a run in the third inning. The fourth inning was tightly played, with the Tigers outscoring the Bulldogs 3-2, to take a 6-5 lead.

But the fifth inning came along as DeSales (3-3) scored four runs, cracked two hits and capitalized on two Trinity errors to lead 10-7. The Tigers did not score in their half of the inning. Each team scored one run in the seventh inning, which proved to be the last score of the 3 hour, 45-minute contest.

A definite bright spot for the Tigers was third baseman Kyle Felix, who batted 4 for 5 with two RBIs.  Outfielder Jordan Pennington, who is in the midst of the 22-game hitting streak, batted 2 for 3 with one RBI, scored three runs and had two walks. He also swatted his fifth double of the season. First baseman Evan Jones went 2 for 3 with three RBIs, and crossed the plate two times. Shortstop Stosh Hoover went 2 for 5 with two RBIs and one run, and also stole two bases.

DeSales outfielder Mike Bianca hit 3 for 5 with two RBIs. First baseman Zac Hess was 2 for 4 with two RBIs, and produced three runs.

Bulldogs pitcher James Niesuchouski entered the game in the fourth inning and took the win. Joe Walsh, who pitched the final 2/3 of the game, was credited with the save. DeSales used six pitchers in the game

The Tigers Eric Binder was the starting pitcher (of six) and remained on the mound for  2 2/3 innings. Ben Klimesh (0-3), who entered in the fourth, was charged with the loss.

Trinity had eight runs (all earned), 11 hits committed three errors and left 11 players on base. DeSales produced 11 runs (seven earned), 13 hits and made no errors. The Bulldogs stranded 12 players.

The Tigers continue defense of their SCAC title Saturday and Sunday in Georgetown, in single games with the Southwestern University Pirates, at 2 p.m. each day. Trinity stands at 2-2 in SCAC play.