April 3, 2007

Box Score

NEWARK, DE - In a slugfest at Bob Hannah Stadium, the La Salle University Baseball team dropped a 12-9 decision to the Delaware Blue Hens, Tuesday afternoon in non-conference action.

The 21 runs are the most runs combined between La Salle and its opponent since the Explorers dropped a 16-8 decision to Florida Atlantic, Feb. 18 this season.

After each team was held scoreless in the first inning, the teams combined to score 17 runs over the next four, with the big blow to La Salle, a five-run bottom of the fifth for the Blue Hens.

La Salle (9-14) jumped out to a two-run lead in the top of the second as John Malloy roped a two-out two-RBI double to left center, scoring RJ Hollinshead and Brian Meagher, which also extended his hitting streak to 23 games.

Delaware (7-15) responded with three in the bottom half of the frame, with a double by Adam Tsakonas plating two and Kyle Davis driving in a third with a sacrifice fly.

The Explorers answered to take a 5-3 lead in the top of the third as Mike Dertouzos  and Kevin Jones knocked in runs, but the Blue Hens tied the game at 5-all in the bottom of the inning when Brandon Menchaca and Bryan Hagerich each hit solo home runs.

George Papuchis would give La Salle another two-run lead as he knocked in a pair with two out in the top of the fourth, scoring Justin Handler and TJ Chism.

However, Delaware would take command of the game in the bottom of the fifth, as they recorded six straight hits to start the inning, and when Davis singled up the middle to drive in two, the Blue Hens led 10-7. They added another run in the sixth to take a four-run advantage.

Chris Crawford registered his first collegiate hit with an RBI single in the seventh scoring Meagher, and then knocked in another in the ninth, as Malloy scored after tripling to lead off the inning.

On the mount, Delaware's Kevin Brown picked up the win and is now 1-0, while John DiPiero (0-1) suffered the loss. Gerard Breslin pitched a perfect eighth inning, striking out the last Blue Hen for his 200th career K, the first Explorer pitcher to ever reach the mark.

The Explorers return to Atlantic 10 action this weekend, hosting Saint Louis for the first time at La Salle in a three-game series starting Friday at 3 PM.