WINTER PARK , Fla. (February 10, 2006) Freshman catcher Eugene
Martinez had the thrill of his young collegiate career on Friday
night as he drove home the winning run in the 15 th inning, to give
the Rollins Tars a 3-2 victory over Carson Newman. The Tars (4-3)
had struggled at the plate the entire night, leaving a total of 13
men on base. But the bullpen kept the Tars around for long enough
and Martinez eventually connected to end the marathon game that
lasted nearly four and a half hours.
'
Sophomore second baseman Gary Martoccio hit his second home run of
the season in the eighth inning to tie the game up at two apiece.
He was 2-4 on the night with two RBI and two walks. First baseman
Steffano Foggi went 3-6 on the night. Junior David Nathanson
started the game for the Tars and went a solid seven innings,
striking out seve, walking none and giving up two unearned
runs.
'
Carson Newman started the scoring with an unearned run in the
second and fifth innings. The Eagles were able to capitalize on
four Tar errors in the first five innings. The score remained 2-0
until the eighth when Martoccio blasted a two run crank to deep
right. From there both bullpens were nearly untouchable. Rob Cloar
worked five innings in relief for the Tars from the ninth to 14 th
, giving up only four hits and a walk. Likewise Gavin Scroggins and
Steve Cishek shut the Tars bats down for the Eagles.
'
Rollins had its best chance to win it in the 11 th when they had
the bases loaded and only one out. But the Eagles pen was able to
spoil it with a strikeout and a line out.
'
Finally in the 15 th , senior center fielder Brent Magnunson drew a
one out walk. And on a 1-2 pitch, Eugene Martinez became a hero
with a one out double over the center fielder's head. The Tars
would win 3-2.
'
The
Tars bullpen went eight full innings of scoreless relief. The
combination of Michael Eppich, John Masklee, Rob Cloar and Gene
Howard went eight innings, striking out four, walking four, and
giving up only six hits.
'
Rollins and
Carson-Newman will hook up again Saturday for a double header
beginning at 11 am. The two teams will wrap up the series on Sunday
with a single game starting at noon.
