The Ashland University baseball team ran its winning streak at the Russ Matt Invitational in central Florida to seven games as the Eagles pounded West Virginia Wesleyan, 12-3 and 9-2, on Thursday (March 8) afternoon in Davenport.
The Eagles (7-2) have two games remaining in Florida before returning to the snow-covered field in Ohio.
In Game 1, the Eagles scored all 12 of their runs in the first four innings and were backed by a strong start from freshman Josh Stover, who tossed all seven innings and gave up three runs on five hits. He did not walk a batter and struck out three.
Offensively, the Eagles pounded out 11 hits and took advantage of six walks and three errors to put up a dozen runs. Sophomore Carson Mittermaier drove in four runs, including a three-run homer in the second inning.
Freshman Micah Allen was 2-for-3 with a double, a triple and two RBI. Freshman Austin Eifrid and junior Matt Littrell hit at the top of the order and combined for five hits and six runs.
In Game 2, the Bobcats (1-8) actually led after the first inning, 2-0, but Ashland batted around for five runs in the second inning to take a comfortable lead.
Freshman Perry Bewley tossed a seven-inning complete game, giving up just two runs on seven hits and one walk. He struck out eight batters.
Eifrid, who had three hits in the first game, went 5-for-5 with two doubles, two runs and two stolen bases in the nightcap. Sophomore Vince Vanata added three of Ashland's 13 hits, rapping two triples and scoring three runs. Senior Greg Ludwig and Mittermaier each drove in a pair of runs.
The Eagles will wake bright and early on Friday (March 9) to take on Walsh at Lake Myrtle Park Field No. 6 in Auburndale, Fla. First pitch is scheduled for 9:15 a.m.
AU
BASE/BB