Glen Burnie, Md. – (March 10, 2018) – Behind a ten-run outburst in game one and a superb pitching performance by
Reiss Knehr in game two, the Fordham Rams swept a baseball doubleheader against Coppin State by scores of 10-8 and 4-1 at the Bachman Sports Complex in Glen Burnie, Maryland.
With the sweep, Fordham improved to 8-4-1 on the year, while Coppin State fell to 1-9-1.
In game one, Fordham's
Brian Goulard and
C.J. Vazquez each had three hits to lead the Rams to a 10-8 win.
Fordham started the scoring right away in the first inning, as
Billy Godrick led off with a single, stole second, moved to third on a passed ball, and scored on a sacrifice fly by
Alvin Melendez. Coppin State then tied the game in the bottom of the inning, capitalizing on a walk, an error, and a sacrifice fly.
The Rams answered with a run in the second, when
Brian Goulard doubled to left center with two outs and scored on a single by
C.J. Vazquez. Fordham then followed with four runs in the third to take a 6-1 lead, highlighted by RBI-singles from Goulard and
Matt Tarabek.
Brian Goulard
Coppin State then responded with two runs in the bottom of the third and three in the fifth to knot the game at six. After exchanging runs in the sixth, Fordham rallied for three runs in the seventh for a 10-7 lead. Tarabek drew a one-out walk, and one out later scored on a double by
Justin Bardwell. After moving to third on a wild pitch, Bardwell scored on a bunt single by Goulard. Goulard then moved to second on a single by Vazquez, and to third on a wild pitch.
Nico Doria followed with a double down the left field line, scoring Goulard.
Coppin State cut the Fordham lead to 10-8 in the bottom of the seventh, but would not get closer, as Fordham's
Kyle Martin tossed two innings of hitless relief to earn his second save of the season.
Anthony DiMeglio (1-0) earned his first win of the year in relief, throwing 1.1 innings, allowing one run with two strikeouts.
At the plate, Goulard was 3-for-5 with a double, two runs scored, and two RBI, while Vazquez was 3-for-4 with an RBI. Godrick, Tarabek, and Doria each went 2-for-4 with two runs scored, and an RBI.
In game two, the Rams topped the Eagles, 4-1, in a seven-inning contest.
Fordham again plated the opening run of the ball game, scoring once in the second inning. Bardwell drew a leadoff walk, moved to second on a wild pitch, and scored on a double by Godrick.
The Rams then rallied for three runs in the fifth, extending the lead to 4-0.
Jake MacKenzie got the rally started with a single. He then stole second, moved to third on an error, and scored on a balk. Melendez then walked and scored on a triple by Tarabek.
Nick Labella followed with an RBI-double to center to score Tarabek.
That was more than enough for Fordham starter
Reiss Knehr (2-1), who allowed just one unearned run on two errors in the bottom of the fifth in a seven-inning complete game win. He gave up just one hit in the game and struck out a season-high nine batters.
At the dish, Melendez was 2-for-3 with a run scored and two stolen bases, while Tarabek was 2-for-4 with a triple, an RBI, and a stolen base.
The Fordham baseball team will next be in action on Wednesday, March 14
th, when the Rams host Wagner for a 3:00 PM contest at Houlihan Park.
