Waskerwitz Helps Xavier Sweep Dayton in A-10 Opener

March 25, 2007

CINCINNATI - Xavier completed its first series sweep in five seasons as XU took the final game of the Atlantic 10 opener, 9-5, over Dayton this afternoon at Hayden Field. Senior Matt Waskerwitz sparked back to back four-run innings and drove in the go-ahead run in the bottom of the eighth to give the Musketeers the win over the Flyers. Xavier improves to 7-18 on the season and stays at a perfect 3-0 in conference, while Dayton falls to 7-13 overall and 0-3 in A-10 action.

With the score tied at 5-5 entering the bottom of the eighth, Waskerwitz stepped to the plate with the bases loaded and one out. The senior roped his team-leading ninth double of the season down the left field line to score the two go-ahead runs. Xavier would then tack on some insurance runs as senior Drew Roberts followed with a single through the left side to score one more before classmate Jordan Wolf singled to right to plate the final two runs of the inning, giving XU the 9-5 advantage.

After two quick outs to start the game, the Dayton bats came alive and a single by Bobby Getty turned into a two-run homerun by first baseman Jeff Mercer, leaving the score at 2-0 after one half inning.

XU would respond with a run in the second as junior Robbie Kelley blasted the first homerun of his career over the left field fence and onto Victory Parkway to cut the lead to 2-1 in favor of the visitors.

After some fine pitching through the next four innings, the Musketeers would rally off four runs in the bottom of the seventh to take the 5-2 lead. Neil Lindgren got things going with a lead-off single off the left field wall. A sacrifice bunt by Tyler Aholt put Lindgren into scoring position before a single to center by freshman Drew Schmidt scored the first run of the inning. Waskerwitz would then record his first of two doubles on the day to push runners to second and third with one out. Adam Pasono would be intentionally walked and load the bases for pinch hitter Sean Farrell. Farrell would take the first pitch in the dirt and the ball would get by the catcher to allow Schmidt to score from third before the sophomore fired a triple to deep right field allowing the final two runs of the inning to cross.

The Flyers charged back in the top half of the inning. After getting two quick fly balls to center, a walk by Joe McSoley and a single by Frank Tedesco saw the Musketeers change pitchers. Catcher Scott Dunwoody greeted the new pitcher, Mike Creevy, by driving a 2-0 pitch to deep left field for a three-run homerun which tied the game at 5-5.

Xavier again pulled out the late-inning heroics as Waskerwitz capitalized on the bases loaded opportunity to give the Musketeers the lead for good.

Waskerwitz was one of three players to finish with three hits on the afternoon. The senior ended his day 3-for-4 at the plate with two doubles, two RBIs and a run scored. Classmate Jordan Wolf was 3-for-5 with two RBIs also, while Kelley finished 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored.

Xavier finished with four extra-base hits on the game and tallied 14 hits, the third highest total of the season. The Musketeers also left seven runners on base, while Dayton left six.

Junior Michael Lucas got the start and went 7.2 strong innings allowing four earned on nine hits and striking out five. Lucas received the no-decision in his longest outing of the season. Creevy picked up the win and improves to 1-2 on the year. The senior went 1.1 innings and allowed only one run on two hits with one strikeout.

This is the first time the Musketeers have started the Atlantic 10 schedule 3-0 since the 2002 season. During that first series, XU completed the sweep of Rhode Island at Hayden Field to start the A-10 slate.

The Musketeers will get back on the diamond Wednesday afternoon as they host the Indiana Hoosiers. The first pitch is scheduled for 3:00 pm at Hayden field with XU's Zac Richard (3-2, 6.21 ERA) in line to get the nod on the hill. IU's starter is still to be determined.

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