May 19, 2006

Box Score

NORRISTOWN, PA - A four-run sixth inning proved to be too much for Saint Joseph's (17-38, 9-17 A-10) to overcome, as Xavier (18-37, 8-18 A-10) posted a 7-5 victory in Atlantic 10 baseball action at Latshaw-McCarthy Field. Freshman Ben Wendle led an 11-hit Hawk attack going 2-4 with three RBIs.

While SJU banged out 11 hits, the Hawks also stranded 11 base runners, while Xavier made the most of its limited opportunities.

Leading 3-2 entering the sixth inning, Hawk starter Joel Grimshaw had been solid limiting the Musketeers to just a single hit. Things turned south quickly in the sixth inning however after a fielding miscue at second base allowed the leadoff runner to reach. XU then rapped back-to-back RBI doubles to tie the contest and then take the lead. Sophomore Don Werner replaced Grimshaw, but he promptly walked the first batter he faced. After a sacrifice bunt, Werner then allowed a double that plated two more runs to give Xavier a 6-3 edge.

The Hawks crept back into the game with single runs in the sixth and eighth innings to make it a one-run game. With two outs in the sixth, SJU received a walk and then consecutive singles by juniors Adriano Petrutz and Mike Gentile to plate a run. Sophomore Mike Blahusch scored in the eighth on a sacrifice fly to draw SJU within one.

Xavier added an insurance run in the top of the ninth to come away with the win.

XU's Mike Lucas (2-8) collected the win by allowing three runs on seven hits in five innings. Charlie Leeman went the final 1.1 innings for his first save. Despite posting a solid outing, Grimshaw (1-4) suffered the defeat allowing five runs (four earned) on three hits in 5.0 innings.

The Hawks had several early leads in the game. SJU went on top first 1-0 in the third inning when junior Matt Godusky and Wendle hit back-to-back doubles.

After Xavier briefly went on top 2-1 in the fourth on a two-run home run by Sean Brewer, St. Joe's regained the lead on a two-run single by Wendle in the bottom of the fifth.

SJU and Xavier will wrap-up the regular season with the series finale on Saturday at noon. The Hawks will honor seniors Greg Mason, Dutin Onulak and Brian Anecharico in pregame ceremonies.