Posted: Mar 17, 2015
The Maroons have won back-to-back ODAC contests, defeating Hampden-Sydney, 11-10 in the second game on Sunday. Roanoke also handed Lynchburg its first conference loss of the season, leaving Virginia Wesleyan as the only team in the ODAC without a conference loss.
Roanoke had a touch and go top of the first inning, as Harrison Richards got two of the three outs via strikeout, but allowed the first run by Drew Taylor on a walk. After the top of the first, Lynchburg led 1-0. The Hornets scored another run in the top of the second. Joe Tomasulo hit a triple to start off the inning, followed by a Ryan Katona Sacrifice fly for the 2-0 advantage.
The Maroons put up three hits over the fourth and fifth innings, but were unable to get runs across the plate over those two frames. The Hornets put up two runs in the top of the sixth, as Jonathan Munn hit a two RBI double plating Taylor and Joe Rogers for a 4-0 lead. Roanoke got its first runs on the board in the bottom of the sixth inning as Will Black hit an RBI double down the left field line, bringing Devin Cassity around from second base. Black crossed the plate in the sixth as well, after Clark Crutchfield hit an RBI single to the outfield, cutting the deficit to two, 4-2.
Lynchburg's Evans scored the team's fifth run after initially taking a walk, then stealing second. In a ground out play Evans made his way home from third to claim a 5-2 lead. The Maroons had a big inning in the bottom of the seventh, as Cal Hodgert and Kevin Oakey each started the inning with a single. Craig Kiley took a walk to load the bases. Devin Cassity hit a sacrifice fly ball to bring home Hodgert, while Will Black hit a single to load the bases again. Pelliteri hit into a fielder's choice, and the catcher dropped the throw at home, allowing Oakey to score. Will Decker hit a sacrifice fly ball, letting Collier Donald, who was pinch running for Kiley, cross the plate to tie the game at 5-5.
Roanoke started out hot in the bottom of the eighth as Cal Hodgert hit a double down the left field line. Kevin Oakey followed the double up with a single, and advanced to second with an errant throw home, leaving Hodgert on third. Devin Cassity hit a single through the left side to give Roanoke its first lead of the game, 6-5. On the first pitch of the next at-bat, Oakey scored on a passed ball. Will Black then laid down a sacrifice bunt down the first base line that plated Donald. With two outs, Gavin Pellitteri hit a pop up just feet from the plate, but made it to first on a catching error, which also scored Cassity. After the eighth inning, Roanoke now held a four run, 9-5 lead. Austin Gregory came in to close in the final inning and saw just four batters, maintaining the four run lead, as Roanoke was victorious 9-5.
Roanoke finished the game with 11 hits, led by Will Black, Cal Hodgert and Kevin Oakey with two hits apiece. Four Maroons scored two runs each, including Hodgert, Oakey, Collier Donald and Devin Cassity. Black, Gavin Pellitteri and Cassity each brought in two runs off of their bat as well, combining for six of the eight RBIs. Diego Meneses picks up his first win of the year, pitching two innings, while striking out two batters.
Lynchburg was led in hitting by Jonathan Munn and Ryan Joe Tomasulo, who finished with two hits each. Drew Taylor was the runs leader, crossing the plate twice. Munn and Ryan Katona each tallied two RBIs as well. Michael Day was tabbed with the loss, giving up five runs off five hits in the 1.2 innings he pitched.
The Maroons return to action on Wednesday evening as they play host to Ferrum College at 7:00 PM at Lewis-Gale Field.
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