SALEM, Va --- Roanoke took game one of their doubleheader with Hampden-Sydney, 7-6 in ODAC action. The Maroons improved their record to 12-19, 3-12 in conference, while the Tigers slipped to 17-16, 7-8 in ODAC play.
The Maroons were explosive early in the first game, as they put up five first inning runs on their opponent. The surge was sparked by Jacob Clifton's (Vinton, VA, William Byrd) single to left field, which was good to drive home Benjamin Amos (Vinton, VA, William Byrd) home from third base. The very next batter, Matt Wallman (Forest, VA, Jefferson Forest), singled to right field, brining around two more runs for Roanoke. The Maroons were not finished yet, as RBIs by both Dalton Lipes (Buchanan, VA, James River) and Shaun Garrett (Roanoke, VA, Roanoke Catholic) gave Roanoke an early 5-0 advantage.
Hampden-Sydney gave the Maroons a scare late in the game, scoring two runs a-piece in both the eighth and ninth innings. The eighth inning surge was highlighted by Zach Harrelson's RBI hit to center field, allowing the base runner from second to score. In the ninth, it was Patrick Kuhns single RBI that pulled the Tigers within one, but ultimately it would not be enough.
The Maroons were led by Wallman's three-for-four, two run, two RBI performance. He has led the team in hits for the past two games, recording five total. Other notable contributors included Lipes, Amos, and Jacob McMillan (Vinton, VA, William Byrd) who each registered two hits a-piece.
Justin Hebert's three-for-three, two run, one RBI outing paced the way for the Tigers. He received help from both Kuhns and Chris Martin, as they registered two hits a-piece.
Tyler Grouten (Avon, CT, Avon) once again had a strong performance on the mound, pitching 4.1 innings and allowing only four hits. His record improved to 3-3 on the year. John Terlesky (Charlottesville, VA , Albermarle) was also impressive for the Maroons on his senior day, allowing only two runs in 4 innings pitched. Dan Nicoll took the loss for Hampden-Sydney on the Hill, dropping to 2-2 this season.
The rain became a factor in the seventh inning, as it started to pour down. Game officials decided that it was substantial enough to move game two of the doubleheader back. The Maroons will see if they can carry over their momentum on Thursday, April 14 at Kiwanis Field. The first pitch is set to be thrown at 7:00 p.m.
