May 12, 2009

Box Score

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – TJ Chism blasted his 11th home run of the year – a solo shot in the eighth inning – to give La Salle Baseball a brief one-run lead. However, the host Rider Broncs plated a pair in the bottom of the frame and held on for a 4-3 victory in non-conference action at Sonny Pittaro Field on Tuesday.

Chism – whose total round trippers in 2009 ties him with Sam Boone(1985) for the third-most in a single season at the school – also scored his team-leading 45th run of the year. He becomes the first Explorer since Mike Fuchs(1999) to score at least 45 and drive in 45 in one season.

The long ball capped a three-run rally for La Salle, who had fallen behind 2-0 after three innings. In the seventh, Adam Kammler hit a two-out single to right to plate both Brian Meagher and Jon Gyles to tie the game at 2-all.

Rider (23-21), who took its early lead with one in the first - James Hayes scored on a balk – and one in the third – Sean Olson scored on a grounder, was able to get back in front when Eric Woodrow hit a two-RBI single to right center.

Kris Brown pitched a perfect ninth to pick up his seventh save of the season for Kris Brown, who improved to 3-1. Cody Weiss, who came in from the pen for La Salle starter Kevin Christy, suffered the loss.

La Salle (18-28) will conclude the 2009 season by hosting a three-game Atlantic 10 Conference series against Richmond. Thursday and Friday’s games are set for a 3 PM start, while Saturday – Senior Day – is slated for a 1 PM first pitch.