Xavier University Athletics
Xavier University
Saint Joseph's
Baseball Tops Saint Joseph's, 3-1, in Series Opener
04.18.08 | Baseball
April 18, 2008
Box Score
CINCINNATI - The Xavier baseball team notched its ninth Atlantic 10 victory Friday with a 3-1 win over visiting Saint Joseph's at Hayden Field. Starter junior Charlie Leesman tossed eight scoreless innings for the Musketeers and senior Robbie Kelley launched his third home run of the season in the seventh for XU's third run of the game.
Sophomore Bobby Freking went 2-for-4 at the plate for Xavier. He also notched an RBI and scored a run for the Musketeers as well. Junior Jordan Conley gave up his gig at shortstop and relieved Leesman in the ninth to collect his seventh save of the season.
Xavier (15-19, 9-4 A-10) got the scoring going early, putting up two runs in the first inning. Sophomore Drew Schmidt reached on a Hawk error and was moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by junior Steve Brown. Freking singled up the middle, allowing Schmidt to make it home. Sophomore Zac Richard was walked and Conley followed with a single to load the bases. Junior Billy O'Conner reached first on a fielder's choice and Freking was safe at home on a bad throw from the first baseman.
The Musketeers added one more run in the seventh on Kelley's solo shot to left field to put Xavier up by three, 3-0.
Saint Joseph's (13-22, 5-8) would get one run back in the ninth when Chris Hildreth got on after being hit by a pitch. He advanced to second as Ben Wendle reached on a Musketeer error and then he made it around to third as David Valesente flied out to right field. Hildreth made it across the plate as Ken Pustizzi grounded out to the short stop. With two outs and two on, pinch hitter Dewey Oriente went down swinging as Xavier took the 3-1 win.
Leesman (2-3) tallied the win for Xavier after striking out six while walking three in 8.0 scoreless innings of work. Conley notched the save (7) for the Musketeers.
Randy Mower (5-4) took the loss for the Hawks after striking out only one and walking one in 7.0 innings of action.
The Musketeers and Hawks return to action Saturday afternoon for the second game of the three-game series scheduled for this weekend. First pitch is set for 1:00 p.m. at Hayden Field.
