April 11, 2008

Box Score

PITTSBURGH, PA - John Malloy and Justin Handler each hit two-run home runs, but the La Salle University Baseball team lost the series opener at Duquesne, 18-9, as the Dukes scored in every inning but two, taking the Atlantic 10 contest, Friday.

Duquesne took advantage of nine walks - eight of them scored - and the top of its line-up, which combined to go 7-for-9 with half the runs scored (9), 10 RBI and four home runs.

After Mike Dertouzos gave La Salle a 1-0 lead on a groundout to short - scoring Justin Handler - the Dukes offense took over.

A pair of solo home runs by Derek Mechling - the Dukes' leadoff hitter - and Mike Carroll gave them a 2-0 lead. In the second, they pushed six runs across the plate as they sent 11 men to bat.

Four of the first five batters drew walks, including Mechling, who drove in a run with his, then Anthony Manley singled home two more. In all, Mechling was 4-for-5 with three home runs, driving in seven and scoring five, while Manley had three hits, scored four runs and drove in three.

La Salle (5-26, 1-9 A-10) would get as close as five runs, twice, but would never threaten the Dukes lead. Malloy had three hits in the game, including a two-run home run, scored three times and drove in three runs.

Handler also hit a two-run blast and scored twice, while Dertouzos had two hits, two RBI, Brian Meagher had three hits, and Kevin Jones scored a run and drove in another.

Duquesne (14-14, 9-1 A-10) also got production from Aaron Janusey - two hits, three RBI; Carroll - four RBI; and Dante Plassio, who despite being 0-for-2, drew three walks and scored all three times.

Ryan Juran won the game for the Dukes, improving to 4-4, after throwing seven innings. Jamie Cowan took the loss and drops to 0-8.

The two teams will continue their three-game A-10 series on Saturday at 1 PM and will conclude it Sunday at 12 PM.