Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
UAB
UAB Sneaks Past Baseball, 3-2
3/25/2011 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
March 25, 2011
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Trailing 2-1 in the top of the ninth UAB manufactured two runs by the use of just one hit as the Blazers squeaked past the Marshall University baseball team, 3-2, on a blistering cold Friday night at Power Park in Conference USA action. UAB, which managed only four hits in the victory, improved to 12-9 overall and 1-0 in league play, while the Herd dropped to 8-12, 0-1 C-USA.
John Frost started the top of the ninth by drawing a walk on a borderline full-count pitch from closer Ian Kadish (0-2). Patrick Palmerio followed by singling to left and a batter later, both base runners moved into scoring position on a fake-bunt slash executed by Keith DePew. The Blazers evened the score, 2-2, when Harry Clark knocked in a run on a RBI ground out to second base. With Palmerio standing on third and two down, a wild pitch would allow him to score what turned out to be the difference in the ball game.
Marshall was led offensively by middle infielders Victor Ramos and Kenny Socorro who each rapped out a pair of hits in the loss.
UAB starter Dillon Napolean (3-1) fired the first eight frames, giving up two runs, both earned, with four walks and three strikeouts.
The Herd appeared to be all over Napolean as the first two batters, Ramos and Isaac Ballou reached courtesy of a single and walk to start the game. After the runners moved up on a Victor Gomez ground out, James Lavinskas laced a two-run base knock to left to take the early lead.
Unfortunately, the Herd couldn't muster up anymore offense, being blanked the rest of the way.
Some insurance runs looked to be a possibility in the bottom of the eighth for the Green and White. Holding a one-run cushion, MU put Napolean in a bind when Socorro started the inning by lining a double to left center. The Herd would eventually put two ducks on the pond in scoring position with V.Gomez at the dish. The Blazers proved to make the right decision as they would send MU's all-time leader in four different offensive categories (hits, homers, RBI and total bases) to first by way of an intentional walk.
The Blazers stayed with the Napolean on the mound as he recorded a punch out and fly out to escape the threat, sending the game to ninth.
After taking the 3-2 advantage, UAB closer Ryan Nance tallied the final three outs to earn his fifth save of the year.
MU hurler Shane Farrell did not figure in the decision after tossing the first 5.1 innings. The Westlake, Ohio native allowed just one earned run off three hits. Farrell kept the Blazers hitless through the first 13 outs of the contest (4.1 IP), before they threatened in the fifth. UAB loaded the bases, with one down, but Farrell pitched his way out of the jam inducing an inning-ending 6-4-3 twin killing. He added four walks and four strikeouts to his stat line.
Out of the bullpen, Josh King showcased his right arm recording eight outs, two by strikeout, while issuing just one walk. On the season, King has fired 15.1 innings without allowing a run to cross home for a perfect 0.00 ERA. He has allowed just seven hits with 15 strikeouts as opponents are hitting a miniscule .140 against him.
NEXT UP: Both squads will return to Power Park for game two of the series on Saturday with first pitch slated for 7 p.m. GameTracker, live video streaming and the WMUL radio broadcast will be available by logging onto HerdZone.com.
