Saturday, April 28, 2001

FLYERS TAKE SERIES FROM BASEBALL TEAM WITH SPLIT OF HIGH-DRAMA DOUBLEHEADER

DAYTON, OH – The Stuart Field fans were treated to an exceptional college baseball doubleheader Saturday afternoon. The University of Dayton baseball team split their Atlantic 10 series finale with St. Joseph's University. The Hawks took the first game, outlasting UD, 5-4, in extra innings while the Flyers escaped with a 1-0 pitchers' duel in the nightcap. With the split, the Flyers improved to 25-21, 10-6 A-10, while the Hawks move to 20-20-1, 7-6 A-10.

The first game saw the Flyers take a 1-0 lead in the first inning, then jump ahead again, 4-3, with a three-run home run to centerfield by senior Clint Beasley in the fifth. It was after the Hawks posted the equalizer in the sixth with an RBI single from Pace Bradshaw, that the game got interesting.

A bench-clearing scuffle in the bottom of the sixth between Bradshaw and UD's senior CF Mark Schulte resulted in the ejection of both players. The altercation started after Schulte was involved in a run-down between second and third and collided with Bradshaw.

Then an inning later, Hawks' skipper Jim Ertel was tossed by first base umpire Mike Mann for arguing a call. The game moved to extra innings and in the top of the ninth, Kevin Dougher led-off with a single off the leg of pitcher Sam Fischer. Dougher, who entered the game after starting CF Rich Caloiero was pinch-hit for, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt, then to third on a wild pitch. Justin Godusky plated Dougher for the eventual game-winner as he singled to left field. Mike Minerva came on to close out the extra-inning victory as he put the Flyers down in order to earn his first save.

Starter Eric Wyatt (4-2) earned the win by throwing eight strong innings, scattering seven hits with six strikeouts. Fischer (1-2) was pinned the loss after allowing 10 hits and five runs (four earned). He fanned eight against four walks. Although it was a hard to top the excitement of the first game, starting pitchers Mike Rolih and Doug Sieger squared-off in a spectacular battle. Both hurled complete-games as the two combined to yield just seven hits and one unearned run.

The game's lone run was scored after senior Brooks Vogel reached on a two-out error in the infield and advanced to third on the errant throw by SS Chris McLaughlin. Junior Mark Wahl (Dale, IN) made the error pay, driving in Vogel in with a single to right field. Rolih, who leads the team in victories (7-5), went the distance for the fifth time this season. He gave up just four hits and two walks with two stikeouts. Sieger, although holding the Flyers to just three hits, was tagged the loss. He fanned seven Flyers and allowed just one walk.

A pair of Hawk career milestones were achieved during the twinbill. Kevin Kirkby slapped a base hit, giving him 241 for his career and tying Bill Weingartner's (1992-95) school record. Also Mike DeVincentis stepped to the plate for the 720th time as a Hawk, also breaking the previous record held by Weingartner. The Hawks currently have no games scheduled for this week due to final exams. They return to action on Saturday against Duquesne in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Friday, April 27, 2001

Dayton Rallies to defeat SJU, 3-2

DAYTON, OH – The Dayton Flyers (24-20, 9-5 A-10) rallied for a pair of runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to escape with a 3-2 win over St. Joseph's (19-19-1) at Stuart Field. Kevin Kirkby made the 194th start of his career to break the SJU record and scored a run, the 155th of his career, to eclipse the SJU mark in that category.

The Flyers picked up their first run in the bottom of the first without the benefit of a hit. Leadoff man Mark Schulte walked, stole second base, advanced to third on a sacrifice fly and scored on a wild pitch by Hawk starter Jim Boylan. St. Joe's got the run back in the sixth. With runners on first and third, and one out, Tim Gunn hit a deep fly to right center. Schulte ran it down, making a dazzling over-the-shoulder grab on the warning track. The Flyers doubled the runner off first base ending the inning, but the umpires ruled that Kirkby tagged up and scored before the third out was recorded.

The Hawks pushed another run across in the eighth as Kirkby doubled down the leftfield line to score Eric Wyatt for a 2-1 lead. Boylan started the ninth by walking leadoff man Clint Beasley, and was replaced by Kirkby. Pinch hitter Andy Boehmer reached on an error. After a fielder's choice, Kirkby uncorked a wild pitch, allowing the runner to move to second, and Beasley to score, tying the game at 2-2. The ensuing batter then followed with the game-winning single to right field for the 3-2 victory. Scott Shean gets his third win for the Flyers, after pitching a scoreless ninth inning, striking out one. Starter Mike Kerins scattered eight hits in eight innings of work, striking out two while picking up the no decision. Kirkby takes the loss, dropping to 1-1 on the year.

Hawk starter Jim Boylan worked eight plus innings, allowing four hits and striking out six. Kirkby, who has played in every game of his SJU career, made his 194th start to break Bill Weingartner's (1992-95) team record. The only game in his four years that he was not in the starting lineup was a game against Northern Iowa on March 10, 2000. Kirkby also broke another Hawk milestone when he crossed home plate for the 155th time in his career. That passed Mike Sharkey (1993-96) for the career record. Tomorrow, the two teams will finish the three-game set with a doubleheader. First pitch from Stuart Field is at 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday, April 25, 2001

UD FlyerNews Headlines

Here are a list of articles from UD's FlyerNews that I appeared in.

Tuesday, April 24, 2001

UD baseball team remains on a roll

The UD men's baseball team continued their good play of late by sweeping doubleheaders this weekend against Atlantic 10 rivals Duquesne Friday and Xavier Sunday.

The Flyers won both games of the doubleheader Friday by out-slugging the Dukes 14-9 and 10-6 respectively.

"Today, we hit and didn't pitch or play defense," coach Tony Vittorio said.

Duquesne came out swinging in the first game, as they roughed up junior starting pitcher Mike Rolih for five runs in the first two innings to take a 5-1 lead.

UD answered in the bottom of the second inning, scoring six runs to take their first lead of the game. The scoring was capped by junior outfielder Brooks Vogel's 39th career homerun, setting a new UD record.

Duquesne never recovered when Rolih settled down and allowed no more hitters to score, until Duquesne began a late charge with four runs in the top of the sixth inning. Senior Scott Shean pitched in relief of Rolih, slamming the door on any Duquesne comeback attempt in the last inning and earning his first save.

Senior infielder Brent Beasley belted a two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth inning to end the scoring and give the Flyer a 14-9 victory.

Overall, both teams tilted the scoreboard. The teams combined for 23 runs and 28 hits. There were also seven homeruns, four of which were by Flyer batters.

Junior infielder Aaron Reesh had a big game, going two-for-three and knocking in six runs and scoring two of his own. Senior outfielder Mark Schulte also went two-for-three from the plate, including a triple.

The win put Dayton above .500 for the first time all season, giving them a 19-18 overall record with a 6-4 A-10 mark.

Game two looked a lot like the first, as UD erased an early deficit to win handily 10-6.

After falling behind 3-0 early, UD went on to score all ten of their runs unanswered. The third inning was the catalyst for UD, as five runs crossed the plate to give UD a lead they would never relinquish, capped off by Beasley's three-run homer to put UD ahead 6-3.

The Flyers finished their scoring in the fifth and sixth innings. After scoring one run in the fifth, the Flyers scored three more runs off a homerun by junior catcher Mark Wahlin the sixth to up the lead to 10-3. The homerun was Wahl’s second in the game.

Duquesne attempted a final inning comeback, as they tagged junior starting pitcher Cory Allen for three runs before Shean came in and stopped a possible rally for the second time that day.

"Scott Shean pitched well," Vittorio said. "Cory [Allen] did too, but we may have left him in the game too long."

Allen pitched six innings, striking out two Duquesne hitters.

The game was another offensive showcase, as the teams scored 16 runs off 23 hits.

Wahl matched Reesh's first game totals, knocking in six runs going three-for-four at the plate. Reesh went two-for-four, scoring two of the UD runs.

"We swung the bat well all day long," Vittorio said. "It won both games for us."

With the win, Dayton won their 14th game in their last 18 contests.

The Flyers continued to play well Sunday against Xavier. They managed a split in a doubleheader at Xavier, losing the first game 5-4 and winning the second 9-2.

The first game started with the Musketeers jumping in front of the Flyers courtesy of a first inning run.

Dayton answered by taking the lead in the fourth inning when senior outfielder Brent Berigan belted a two-run homer to put Dayton ahead 2-1.

The Flyers extended the lead in the sixth inning when junior outfielder Shawn Bolinger led off with a solo homerun. Junior infielder Mike Kerins then doubled later in the inning to score Berigan.

The 4-1 lead would not last, however, as Xavier stormed back in the bottom of the sixth inning to tie the game 4-4.

The Flyers could get nothing in the seventh and the Musketeers pushed a run across in the bottom half of the inning to take the first game 5-4.

Game two was a better story, as Dayton demolished Xavier 9-2.

UD used a pair of big innings to take control of the game. They scored seven times in the third and fourth innings to take a lead they would never relinquish.

Kerins pitched a complete game effort, striking out five Musketeers.

UD improves to 21-19 overall and 8-4 in A-10 play.

The Flyers play Tuesday at 1 p.m. in another doubleheader vs. IUPUI at Stuart Field.

-----
www.FlyerNews.com
By: Matt Hager

Sunday, April 22, 2001

Xavier and Dayton Split Doubleheader

CINCINNATI --- The Xavier baseball team (18-25, 6-7 Atlantic 10) gained no ground and lost no ground in the Atlantic 10 race today after splitting a doubleheader with Dayton (21-19, 8-5 Atlantic 10). The Musketeers mounted a thrilling comeback victory in game one to win by a final of 5-4. The Flyers took game two 9-2 and allowed only six Xavier hits. Senior co-captain Ty Brenning (Urbana, OH), with a double in game one and a home run in game two, extended his school record hitting streak to 22 games.

In game one, the Musketeers took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Eric Greenwell (Bridgeton, MO) led off with a single and scored three batters later when Mark Andres (Greenwood, IN) knocked him in with a base hit of his own.

XU was then held hitless for four innings. The Flyers racked up two runs in the fourth and two more in the top of the sixth on the strength of home runs by Brent Berigan and Shawn Bolinger. Dayton led 4-1 going into the bottom of the sixth.

The home team finally got to starting pitcher Sam Fischer in the sixth. With two outs, Ryan Schreen (South Elgin, IL) started it off with a walk. He was followed by three straight hits. Greenwell reached first with a perfect bunt. Brenning ripped a double, scoring two and Jeff Crandell (Lothian, MD) singled and brought two more in.

With the score knotted at four in the bottom of the last inning, XU rallied. Jarret Sues (Middletown, NJ) led off with a single to right. After Matt Tedford (Norwood, OH) bunted Sues to second, Alec Moss (Sherman Oaks, CA) and Ed Bongard (Philadelphia, PA) both drew walks, loading the bases for Schreen. The sophomore bounced a game-winning single up the middle for the 5-4 Musketeer win.

Senior Matt Raih (De Kalb, IL) tossed his third complete game of the year. He gave up four runs and seven hits on his way to earning the win.

In game two, UD took control in the third with four quick runs. With two men on base and one out, Xavier starting pitcher Kevin Crowley (Wheaton, IL) served up a three-run homer to Bolinger. UD crossed one other run in the inning to take a 4-0 lead. The Flyers added to it the next inning. After giving up a single, Crowley was pulled in favor of Raih. Dayton belted two more hits in the inning and was able to plate three more runs, claimimg a 7-0 lead.

The Musketeers got their only runs of the game in the bottom of the fourth when Brenning rocked a two-run bomb over the left field wall. It was his third of the season.

UD added a couple of insurance runs in the top of the seventh thanks to a two-run homer by Mark Schulte. The Flyers held on for the 9-2 win. It was Dayton's first victory over Xavier in three tries this season.

Dayton pitcher Mike Kerins worked a complete game and allowed just six hits and two runs, in gaining the win. XU's Andres kept his hitting streak intact as well today with a hit in each game. His streak now stands at 19 games. Crandell's streak was snapped at 17 after failing to register a hit in game two.

Xavier will be at home on Tuesday against Indiana State. First pitch at Hayden Field is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. On Wednesday, the Musketeers will travel to Purdue to take on the Boilermakers in a 3:00 contest.

Friday, April 20, 2001

Baseball bounces back to win 7 of 11

The UD baseball team used Easter break to improve its record and challenge some Atlantic 10 foes.

It was a successful stretch for the Flyers, as they went 6-4 over their last ten games.

After being dominated 8-1 versus nationally-ranked Notre Dame, the Flyers got hot, winning five of their next six contests.

The first win came April 5 over the Wittenberg Tigers 9-8. Trailing by two going into the bottom of the ninth inning, Dayton capped off a comeback with junior outfielder Andy Boehmer’s bases-loaded single to earn Dayton’s twelfth win.

The team then traveled to New York to face A-10 rival Fordham for three games. It was a successful trip, as UD took two out of three games.

The first two games were part of a doubleheader April 7. The Flyers won 4-0, but the highlight of the game was the performance of junior starting pitcher Mike Rolih. His first A-10 victory with the Flyers included allowing only two hits in a complete game effort. He also struck out four and allowed no walks to Ram hitters.

Junior infielder Aaron Reesh went 2-for-4 at the plate, and junior designated hitter Shawn Bolinger had two hits to up his average to .391.

In game two, the Rams came out and reversed the roles, as they shut out the Flyers 5-0. Ram starter Gary Kaible matched Rolih’s complete game effort and only allowed one Flyer hit.

The next day, Dayton finished its series with Fordham with another 4-0 win.

Junior starting pitcher Corey Allen pitched UD’s second shutout in three games. He earned his second win of the year by striking out seven Fordham hitters and allowing only five hits.

Allen’s performance, along with the shutout by Rolih the day before, earned both men co-Atlantic 10 Pitcher of the Week honors.

The Flyers stayed on the road for their next games. Indianapolis was the destination, as the Flyers swept an April 10 doubleheader over the IUPUI Jaguars 10-6 and 3-1.

Dayton erased an early IUPUI lead in the first game, turning a 1-0 deficit after two innings into a 10-3 lead halfway through the sixth inning.

Junior outfielder Brooks Vogel went 2-for-4, scoring two runs. The offensive hero of the day was senior outfielder Mark Schulte, who went 3-for-4, scoring two runs and knocking in four Flyers.

The second game was not the slugfest the first game was, as Dayton out-pitched IUPUI and won 3-1. Again, IUPUI took an early lead, but Dayton answered with a runs in the third, fourth and fifth innings.

Reesh hit a homerun off Jaguar pitching, scoring two of the Flyers’ three runs. Junior catcher Mark Wahl went 2-for-3, knocking in one run.

Dayton benefited from good starting pitching again, as junior starting pitcher Sam Fischer struck out 10 hitters in a complete game effort.

After a cancelled game versus Ohio April 11, the Flyers took to the road again—this time to visit another A-10 rival, George Washington. Coming into the series on a roll did not help, as they lost two of three to the Colonials.

The first two games were a twin bill Saturday, where George Washington won the first game 7-3, but Dayton won the second contest 3-2.

In game one, the Colonials’ Jake Wald and Matt Krimmel both hit homeruns off Rolih in the second inning, which capped off an early charge and gave the Colonials a 6-0 lead.

Wahl returned the favor in the top of the third inning, rallying the Flyers back to only a 6-3 deficit. That was as close as the Flyers could get however as the Colonials shut the door and won 7-3.

The second game was much tighter, as both teams could not dent the plate in the first five innings. GW decided to intentionally walk senior outfielder Brent Berigan after walking Vogel to lead off the sixth inning, in order to face junior pitcher Mike Kerins. That strategy proved to be a costly mistake, as Kerins hit his second home run of the year to put Dayton in front 3-0.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, the Colonials threatened to steal the victory after scoring two runs and having two runners in scoring position, but Kerins got Nick Iovacchnini to fly out to center to seal the Flyers’ 3-2 victory.

Sunday, the rubber game of the series went to GW 11-3.

The Colonials roughed up Dayton pitching for seven runs in the first five innings, before the Flyers could answer with two runs in the sixth inning. That was as close as they could come, as the Colonials scored four more runs in the late innings to win handily.

The brightest spot for Dayton came in the top of the ninth when Vogel hit a solo homer, his first of the season and 38th at UD, tying the career mark of Brian Harlamert who played for UD from 1991-94.

Dayton was to play at Miami Tuesday, but snow cancelled the game.

These games put the Flyers’ record at 17-18 with a 5-4 A-10 record.

Another A-10 foe is on deck for UD, as Duquesne comes to Stuart Field for a doubleheader Saturday starting at noon.

-----
www.FlyerNews.com
By: Matt Hager

Friday, April 06, 2001

Baseball loses momentum in Richmond

After winning five out of the last six home games, the UD baseball team left the friendly confines of Stuart Field for McBride Stadium in Richmond, Ind.

The change of scenery did not help the Flyers, as they lost two out of three Inaugural Spring Classic games — losing 5-0 to Detroit Friday, winning 12-9 over Butler Saturday, and losing 22-9 to Xavier Sunday.

The Titans’ Omar Diaz stole the show Friday, pitching 8.1 innings and allowing only five Flyer hits in a shutout performance.

After a quiet first two innings, Detroit pushed three runs across against junior pitcher Mike Rolih. The runs were earned, but they were aided by two Dayton errors in the inning that helped keep the Detroit rally alive.

In the top of the fourth inning, the Flyers looked to answer, as junior outfielder Brooks Vogel led off with a double. He reached third base with only one out after consecutive walks to junior infielder Cory Allen and senior outfielder Brent Berigan loaded the bases. Unfortunately for the Flyers, Diaz shut the door on the rally, getting senior infielder Nate Winkelfoos to strike out and sophomore infielder Jeff Bourassa to pop out to end the inning.

The Titans kept the momentum and tagged Rolih for two more runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to up the lead to 5-0.

It was all Diaz needed, as he held UD to only one hit in the final five innings—a junior infielder Aaron Reesh single in the eighth inning.

For the Flyers, Reesh went 2-for-3 from the plate. Allen, Vogel and senior outfielder Mark Schulte had the other Flyer hits.

Dayton saw its record fall to 10-13 while Detroit earned its second win this season, 2-14 overall.

Saturday proved to be a better day for the Flyers, as they beat Butler 12-9.
Taking advantage of the fact that Butler had played Detroit earlier that day for fear the weather would not permit their game Sunday, Dayton jumped out to an early 4-1 lead and did not look back.
The Flyers scored six runs off Bulldog starting pitcher John Corcoran and knocked him out of the game after only 2.1 innings. The offense kept up after Corcoran left, as the Flyers scored six more runs off the relievers en route to taking a 12-4 lead after five innings.

Butler mounted a small rally in the final innings to make the game close, but Dayton held on for a 12-9 win.

The Bulldogs fell to 13-9 with the loss, and the Flyers improved to 11-13 with the win.

Archrival Xavier gave UD a rude goodbye gift in the final game in Richmond, spanking UD 22-9 Sunday.

The Musketeers scored three runs in the first two innings to go up 3-0. They would increase the lead in the third inning when they scored a whopping 12 runs off nine hits in the third inning.

After that offensive barrage, the game was basically over as Xavier led 15-1. All but one of the Musketeers' 14 batters got a hit off Flyer pitching. The 22 runs were the most Xavier had scored since 1995.

UD scored eight runs in the final three innings, but it was way too late, as XU won the game handily 22-9.

Junior designated hitter Shawn Bolinger led the Flyers’ offense, going 3-for-4 from the plate, scoring two runs and knocking in two runners.

The loss dropped Dayton to 11-14, 1-2 in Richmond. Xavier improved to 10-19 overall.

-----
www.FlyerNews.com
By: Matt Hager