Marshall University Athletics
Offense Powers @HerdBaseball Saturday at WVU; Splits Two Game Series
10/17/2015 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Friday Box Score | Saturday Box Score
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - Marshall wrapped up its final fall ball game with a dominating win over in-state rival West Virginia Saturday, as the Herd defeated the Mountaineers 12-2.
After dropping the first game of the series 1-0 Friday evening, Marshall bounced back and heated up the Monongalia County Field by knocking in 12 runs on 12 hits. The Herd was propelled by a six run inning in the eighth inning to earn the 10-run victory.
"I thought this weekend was a great experience for our team and it was important that we got the win Saturday over West Virginia," said Herd coach Jeff Waggoner. "Having the chance to play in the fall and being able to work out the kinks before spring is very important. I'm really excited about this group of guys that we have and I'm looking forward to the season."
Pitching was key for the Herd over the two game series. In the first game, Marshall found itself in a defensive battle. Chase Boster started the game and went 2.1 innings and allowed four hits and one run, but struckout one WVU player. JD Hammer came in relief in the next inning and controlled the game as he went three innings and only surrendered one hit with two strikeouts. Parker Danciu and Fernando Guerrero closed out the game for combining for three innings with three hits and three strikeouts.
Freshman Josh Shapiro showed off a strong arm for the Herd in game two, as he held the Mountaineers hitless in three innings of work, while only walking one batter. Also on the mound for Marshall was Heston Vanfleet, Caleb Ross, Matthew Maiers, Sam Hunter, Nick Newton and Burris Warner. Ross, Hunter and Warner each held WVU hitless, as well.
Leading the way at the plate over the two games was senior Corey Bird, who totaled four hits with two RBIs and two runs. Following Bird's performance was Cory Garrastazu and DJ Gee with three hits each. Gee had two runs, while Garrastazu had one. Austin Norman, Leo Valenti and Reynaldo Pastrana had two hits, apiece. Thomas Lane went one for two Saturday with two sacrifice flies.
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