WINTER PARK, Fla. (April 17, 2007) ' The
Rollins baseball team scored five runs in the bottom of the ninth
in a comeback attempt against Webber International on Tuesday night
at Alfond Stadium, but the Tars fell one run shy and left the tying
run on third in a heartbreaking 9-8 loss. Rollins fell to 23-20
overall, and the Warriors improved to 27-19.
Danny Clark (1-3) got the start for the Tars and was credited
with the loss after allowing three runs in two innings. Sophomore
catcher Eugene Martinez led Rollins at the plate, hitting 3-5 with
a double, one run, and one RBI. Freshman right fielder Scott Chase
(2-5, one run), junior designated hitter Mike Crane (2-5, double),
and senior shortstop Ryan McKenzie (2-4, triple, one run) also hit
well for the Tars.
Jimmy Marshall (3-0) lasted five innings and allowed two runs to
pick up his fifth win, and Drew Spitznogle recorded the final two
outs to save his first game of the year. Catcher Nic Horne went 3-5
with a double, one run, and three RBI for the Warriors.
WIU scored three in the top of the first and added two more in
the fifth, but Rollins came back for its first two runs of the game
in the bottom of the fifth. McKenzie tripled to lead off the
inning, and he scored on a wild pitch. Sophomore left fielder Jesse
More walked to give the Tars another runner, and he came around to
score after singles by Crane and junior first baseman Stefano
Foggi. The Warriors led 6-3 going into the ninth, and they extended
their lead to 9-3 with three in the top of the inning. Rollins
would not go down without a fight, as Martinez brought home their
first ninth inning run with a bases loaded single. Sophomore first
baseman Ryan Maddern walked home the second run, and junior center
fielder Corey Whiting drove in three more with a bases-clearing
triple. More grounded out to Spitznogle to end the game with
Whiting on third base.
Rollins will return to Sunshine State Conference action on
Saturday, April 21 with a doubleheader against Nova Southeastern
starting at 3:00 p.m. For the latest on all Rollins athletics, go
to www.RollinsSports.com.
