March 12, 2011
Box Score
MOREHEAD, KY - Marc Schoch and Jeff Flax each had four hits as the La Salle baseball team scored six runs in the final two innings to complete a 13-9 victory over Morehead State on a windy Saturday afternoon at Allen Field. The win evens the series at one game each and sets up a crucial rubber match on Sunday.
The Explorers (5-8) took an early lead in the second inning with Kevin Jones' first RBI of the season, a double to centerfield that plated Schoch. The run for Schoch was one of four scored by the junior on the day.
However, Morehead State responded for five runs of their own an inning later. A walk and an error led to a three-run home run by Michael Fear to give the Eagles a 5-1 lead.
"We didn't make some of the plays we should have on defense," said head coach Mike Lake. "Eric [Van Wyk] battled but he didn't have his best stuff today."
The southpaw had a 0.75 ERA entering Saturday start but allowed seven runs (three earned) off seven hits with two walks and two strikeouts in 4.1 innings pitched.
La Salle continued to chip away at the MSU lead with multiple run-scoring innings in the fourth and sixth to draw closer.
The four-run sixth innings was highlighted by Dan Klem's two-run triple that plated Schoch and Tony Negrin. Two batters later, Flax recorded an RBI single to plate Klem and brought the Explorers within at 8-7. A two-run double in the eighth by Flax leapfrogged La Salle on top 9-8.
The Explorers tacked on four insurance runs in the ninth to put the game out of reach.
"We were down and they brought in one of their better relievers but we made good solid contact and hit the ball where they weren't," Lake added.
Kevin Christy (2-1) was stellar in relief for La Salle pitching two shutout frames and bridging the gap to the Explorers closer, Pat Christensen.
Christensen entered the game in the eighth inning and recorded the final six outs for his second save of the season. The win for Christy is his second on the season, both coming in relief.
"We hope Pat can give us one inning tomorrow," said Lake.
Tomorrow's series finale and rubber match will be the final game of an eight-game spring break road trip for the Explorers, who are excited to return home after Sunday's contest.
"Everyone is tired," said Lake. "We have been on the road for nine days. The one thing I like about it is that our chemistry is really good. We enjoy being around each other."
RHP Cody Weiss (1-2, 10.22) set to start on Sunday for La Salle. RHP Cody Gibson will get the nod for Morehead State.
"We need to find a way to win tomorrow and win the series and then it will be a nice long bus ride home," said Lake.
