April 20, 2013

Box Score

RICHMOND, Va. - A four-run seventh inning propelled the Saint Joseph's baseball team past Richmond, 7-3, at Pitt Field on Saturday afternoon. Sophomore catcher Brian O'Keefe had three hits on the day, including his team-best fourth home run of the season.

Richmond (23-14 overall, 6-5 Atlantic 10) scored first, tallying a run on a one-out double by Nick Poulos in the bottom of the second.

Collin Forgey equalized for Saint Joseph's (19-18 overall, 7-4 Atlantic 10), hitting his second home run of the year with one out in the third.

O'Keefe put the Hawks on top with a solo shot of his own to lead off the top of the sixth, but the Spiders nosed back in front on a home run by Jacob Mayers, a walk to Adam Forrer, and a double by Bret Williams to start the bottom of the frame.

The Hawks went back in front in the seventh. With two outs and runners at first and second, Mike Muha ripped a single through the left side to score Anthony Cirillo and tie the game at three. O'Keefe then singled to center to bring home Stefan Kancylarz and put the Hawks back on top.

A balk brought home Muha and put O'Keefe on second before Chris Hueth hit an infield single; Richmond shortstop Mike Small threw the ball away, allowing O'Keefe to score and making it a 6-3 SJU lead.

Saint Joseph's extended the lead in the ninth as Muha led off with a walk, advanced to third on a single by O'Keefe, and scored on a sacrifice fly by Hueth.

The Spiders threatened in the ninth as the first two batters of the inning drew walks, but Jimmy Yacabonis came on and induced a double play before striking out Tanner Stanley to end the game.

Jordan Carter earned the win to improve to 3-2 on the season. He allowed three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out three in six innings. Chris Bates took the loss, allowing four unearned runs on two hits and a walk in two-thirds of an inning. Yacabonis earned his fifth save of the season.

O'Keefe finished the day with three hits, two runs scored, and two RBI, while Forgey, Hueth, and Kancylarz added two hits apiece. On the mound, Steven Schuler added two innings of shutout relief.

The teams will wrap up the series on Sunday afternoon. First pitch from Pitt Field is set for noon.