April 24, 2007

Box Score

NEWARK, DE - John Rickards launched his team-leading fourth home run of the year, but it was a solo shot and the La Salle University Baseball team dropped a 6-1 decision at Delaware, Tuesday in non-conference action at Bob Hannah Stadium.

Already trailing 2-0 after the first inning, Rickards cut the lead in half with his shot in the third inning - his 13th career round tripper. But the Explorers would be held scoreless the rest of the way.

Delaware (16-18) responded with a run of its own in the bottom of the frame, a solo home run by Branden Menchaca pushing the Blue Hen lead to 3-1. They would also add single runs in the fourth, sixth and eighth innings, including a solo home run by Adam Tsakonas, to claim their seventh straight victory.

Getting the win on the mound was Todd Ozog (2-3), who escaped a bases loaded one-out jam in the first with a pair of strikeouts, but allowed Rickards' homer. The Hens bullpen then combined to pitch five scoreless innings and registered five Ks.

In his first action in almost six weeks, Drew Gerhart (0-2) took the loss for La Salle after pitching three innings. Of note, Dennis Burge pitched the final two innings getting three Ks, but allowed his first run out of the bullpen in more than 16 innings of work.

In relief appearances this season, Burge has thrown 29 1/3 innings and has allowed just three earned runs - a 0.92 ERA - in 12 games and has walked just four and struck out 22.  

La Salle (14-21) returns to action this weekend, hosting St. Bonaventure in a three-game Atlantic 10 series starting Friday at 3 PM.