LINK – ASHLAND UNIVERSITY BASEBALL PAGE
In a neutral-site non-conference game on Thursday (March 16) against West Liberty in Washington, Pa., Ashland University's baseball team prevailed, 11-9.
The Eagles (6-9) won a battle of crooked-number innings against the Hilltoppers (5-5). Ashland jumped on top with a four-run top of the second inning, thanks to a three-run double by senior center fielder Carsten Dembeck and a run-scoring double from junior second baseman J.P. Sorma.
Following a six-run response by West Liberty in the bottom of the second, Ashland took the lead for good with a five-spot in the fourth. The big blow in that frame was a two-run triple from freshman third baseman Carson Mittermaier.
Dembeck was 2-for-3 with four RBIs and three runs scored, while Mittermaier drove in three runs. Senior shortstop Brad Hartman had three hits, including a double, and scored three times, while freshman left fielder Vince Vanata added two RBIs.
Senior left-hander Mike Gentile picked up his second win of the season by throwing five innings in relief. He struck out six and allowed three hits, two runs (one earned) and two walks. Sophomore righty Sam Rice earned the save by slamming the door in the ninth inning after the Hilltoppers had scored twice.
UP NEXT: The start of Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play with a four-game set on Sunday (March 19) and Monday (March 20) at Findlay (9-1).
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