Xavier University Athletics
Xavier University
Rhode Island
Xavier Falls in Extra Innings at Rhode Island, 5-4
04.29.07 | Baseball
April 29, 2007
KINGSTON, R.I. - In just the second extra-inning game of the season for Xavier, the Musketeers could not repeat the outcome of the first and were downed by host Rhode Island, 5-4, in the Atlantic 10 series finale on Sunday afternoon. The Rams completed the sweep and handed XU its first series sweep since the last weekend in March. The loss drops Xavier to 21-24 on the season and the Musketeers remain alone in third place at 12-6. The Rams improve to 15-23 overall and 10-8 in conference action.
After allowing two quick runs in the bottom of the first, the Musketeers settled down and rallied in the top of the fifth to take their first lead of the contest at 3-2. Andy Zellers got the inning started with a one-out double. Drew Schmidt singled in the next at-bat to put runners at the corner before Matt Waskerwitz singled through the left side to score Zellers. Adam Pasono followed with a single of his own to load the bases for Neil Lindgren. The sophomore delivered a two-RBI single to right to give XU the lead, 3-2.
Rhode Island would regain the lead with a two-run seventh before Xavier responded in the next half inning to knot the score at 4-4. An errant throw by the Rams' shortstop allowed Sean Farrell to reach before a sacrifice bunt by Adam Lipski turned into a hit and put runners at first and second with no outs. Zellers would be hit by a pitch to load the bases before a sacrifice fly by Schmidt allowed Farrell to score and tie the game.
A leadoff double by the Rams in the bottom of the tenth was followed by another double to end the game and give the home team the 5-4 win.
Schmidt ended with a 2-for-3 day at the plate with a run scored and an RBI, while Lipski also had two hits and ended the afternoon 2-for-5. Lindgren made his only hit count as he posted a team-high two RBIs.
Michael Lucas went 6.0 strong innings allowing only four runs, two earned, on five hits with four strikeouts. Lucas gave way to Kyle Cowden who held the lead for the Blue and White as the junior went 2.2 innings allowing only two hits and tallying a career-high four strikeouts. David Hartman picked up the loss as he allowed the two doubles in the tenth inning and now stands at 1-1 on the season.
The loss drops the Musketeers to one game behind second place Richmond (14-4), while Fordham (11-7) gained ground over the weekend and are in fourth place and one game behind XU. URI is currently in fifth place just two back from Xavier for the third spot and St. Bonaventure currently occupying the sixth and final spot as they downed La Salle to move to 9-8 in the A-10. The league-leader Charlotte fell to George Washington to drop to 15-3 but the 49ers are still one game ahead of the second place Spiders. The Colonials and UMass are also knocking on the door in a tie for seventh as each team stands even at 9-9 in conference play.
Xavier will have the week off before welcoming league-leader Charlotte to Hayden Field for a pivotal A-10 series with the 49ers. Due to finals, the series will be moved up a day and start on Thursday at 2:30 pm with Friday's game starting at 2:30 and Saturday's game taking place at 1:00 pm.
