Posted: Apr 19, 2014
The Maroons started the day out by celebrating Senior Day for six players who have help set program records in the last four years. Bradley Mattox, Jacob McMillan, Nick Sburlati, Cam Cassady, Louis Simonetti and Jacob Clifton were all recognized before the game. These six players helped Roanoke College set the single-season (18) and ODAC (10) wins record in 2013. The team also recognized assistant coach Nick Jones for his hard work and dedication to the team over the past four years.
After two scoreless innings by both teams in the first game, Roanoke broke the ice scoring in the bottom of the third. Devin Cassity hit an RBI double down the right field line, allowing Bradley Mattox to score on the play. Roanoke bolstered its lead in the bottom of the fourth as the Maroons tallied two more runs. Gavin Pellitteri hit an RBI single to the outfield, plating Cam Cassady. Bradley Mattox followed with a double to bring home Pellitteri and score Roanoke's third run.
The Royals scored two runs in the top of the fifth to pull within one, 3-2. Roanoke extended its lead back to two in the bottom of the inning as Kevin Oakey hit an RBI single, scoring Jacob Clifton. Eastern Mennonite cut into the Roanoke lead again in the top of the sixth, but Roanoke pulled away in the bottom of the sixth. Clifton started the scoring with a two RBI double plating Will Black and Cassity. Then, Lucas Nowlin hit a grand slam to put the Maroons ahead by seven, 10-3. The Royals went on to score one in the seventh and two in the ninth, but the Maroons lead held, picking up the 10-6 win in game one.
Roanoke was led in hitting by Cam Cassady, who went 4-5 in the game, scoring two runs of his own. Jacob Clifton finished 2-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Lucas Nowlin led the team in RBIs with four after his huge grand slam in the sixth. Cameron Holshouser picked up the win, throwing seven innings, giving up just four runs off seven hits, while striking out six batters.
Brandon Carroll led the Royals with three hits in the game, while Adam Posey and Conner Smith had two each. Aaron Hooven was tabbed with the loss, giving up four runs off nine hits.
Between games, Roanoke College and the Maroon Club had a special recognition for the 10 year anniversary of the 2004 RC Baseball team. This team was the first Maroon squad to advance to the ODAC Tournament in just its second full year in the ODAC. It also set the single season wins record of 16, that fell in 2013. Also in attendance at the game were the coach, Kelly Dampeer, and members of the first Roanoke College baseball team.
Roanoke took the early lead in the second game, putting up one run in the bottom of the third inning. Just as he had in the first game, Devin Cassity had an RBI base hit, scoring Bradley Mattox, giving Roanoke a 1-0 lead. The Maroons' lead held until the top of the sixth. Ryan Hedrick hit an RBI single to left field, plating Jonathan Estrada, trying the game at 1-1. The game remained tied for the next two innings until the top of the eighth. Hedrick had another RBI hit, while Conner Smith registered an RBI hit of his own, giving the Royals a 3-1 lead. The Maroons couldn't get on base in the final two innings, as EMU took game two of the twin bill.
Roanoke registered five hits in the game, with five different players tallying one hit apiece. Bradley Mattox went 1-3 with one run scored, while Devin Cassity was 1-3 with one RBI. Austin Gregory (4-1) was tabbed with the loss, giving up two runs in three innings. John Ruhlman pitched the first six innings, striking out eight batters.
EMU had 13 hits in the second game, with Herick, Norris and Hall all tallying two each. Hedrick finished with two of the team's three RBIs. Bret Whitlow picked up the win, pitching four scoreless innings.
The Maroons return to action on Sunday, April 20th as they travel to play in the final ODAC game of the regular season. That game is scheduled for 2:00 PM.
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