For Immediate Release: Saturday, March 15, 2003
Contact: Dave Geringer, UTPA Sports Information Director
EDINBURG, TX—Iona pounded out 17 hits and defeated Prairie View A&M, 9-1, in the third game of the rain-delayed UTPA/Al Ogletree Classic at the Edinburg Baseball Stadium Saturday evening.
Iona scored in all but two of their eight at-bats. The Gaels broke on top in the bottom of the first when designated hitter Luke Lambo singled home left fielder Phil Kump, who beat out and infield hit and advanced to second on a single by shortstop Travis Garcia. Catcher Jason Motte’s two-run homer into the bullpen in the bottom of the third broke a 1-1 tie and gave Iona the lead for good. Enter fielder Kevin Sorhaindo doubled home a run in the fourth and third baseman Robert Michitsch singled home another run in the fifth.
The Gales scored three times in the sixth. Lambo singled home the first run, and right fielder Rob Fortner and Motte hit consecutive sacrifice flies to drive in the next two runs. Garcia singled home a run in the seventh.
Prairie View A&M scored a run to tie it at 1-1 in the top of the second without the benefit of a base hit. Catcher Brian McGinty and first baseman Derek Jones walked, and third baseman Brian Gonzales bunted into a fielder’s choice. Right fielder Chris Smith hit into a fielder’s choice at second base, and when Iona first baseman Mike Perrone dropped the relay, Jones scored from third base.
Sean Kramer allowed one unearned run and three hits in eight innings in his first start of the season for Iona, earning the victory to improve to1-0. Starter Larry Henderson, who allowed eight earned runs and 16 hits in 6 2/3 innings, took the loss for Prairie View and fell to 1-5.
The tournament will continue with a game between the Broncs and Illinois Saturday night.
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