Swingsets are normally constructed in the backyard.
Saturday (May 4) at Donges Field, AU's "swing set" was all over the yard. The AU baseball team rapped out 18 runs on 21 hits in an 18-3 victory over Ohio Dominican. This was the first of three games the teams will play this weekend. These teams also figure to meet in the first round of the GLIAC Tournament, which opens next Wednesday at Eastern Michigan.
On Saturday, the Eagles (31-15/18-11 GLIAC) scored five runs in the fourth inning, four runs in the fifth inning and seven runs in the eighth inning. AU had just two extra-base hits, but there werent many swing-and-miss situations for the Eagles on this day.
Third baseman Wade Kaido (Zanesville, Ohio), hitting first in the order, went 4-for-5 with three RBI and two runs scored. Right fielder Shane Wagner (Volant, Pa./Mercyhurst Northeast C.C.), shortstop Austin Walts (Amherst, Ohio/Amherst Steele), catcher Adam Murphy (West Carrollton, Ohio) and outfielder Luke Burch (Millersburg, Ohio/Berlin Highland) had two hits apiece.
Burch, left fielder Austin Erb (Mechanicsville, Va./Hanover) and pinch hitter Tyler Bires (Lorain, Ohio/Amherst Steele) drove in two runs each.
AU's starting pitcher, Brad Thomas (Orrville, Ohio), pitched the first six innings. He received credit for the win and is 9-3. Thomas is the GLIAC leader in victories. He allowed two runs (one earned) on eight hits. Thomas didn't walk a batter and struck out six.
Nick Venditti has had a strong season for ODU (22-25/16-15), but the Eagles chased him in the fifth inning. Venditti (6-4) was touched up for 10 runs (eight earned) on 11 hits.
Second baseman Ryan Rovnak was 3-for-3 for ODU. Third baseman Phil Jaskot was 2-for-3.
The teams play a doubleheader on Sunday (May 5) beginning at 1 p.m.
AU
BASE/ALK