Box Score Feb. 20, 2010
Box Score
Norfolk, Va. -
Despite impressive performances from Chris Walker and Rich Anastasi, the Fordham baseball team could not overcome five unearned runs scored by Old Dominion, as the Monarchs posted a 7-5 win over the Rams at the Bud Metheny Complex in Norfolk, Va.
For the second straight game, the Rams (0-2) opened the scoring as they tallied two first inning runs. Brian Kownacki led off the game with a single, and was quickly sacrificed to second on a Nick Martinez bunt. P.J. Como then ripped a double to right to score Kownacki. Chris Walker followed with a single to left, scoring Como for a 2-0 lead.
Old Dominion (2-0) then took advantage of a couple of Fordham errors, scoring five unearned runs off starter Max Krakowiak over the third and fourth innings to take a 5-2 lead. In the third, the Monarchs loaded the bases on two walks and an error, scoring runs on an error, a hit by pitch, and an infield single.
In the fourth, Nathan Hartman connected for a two-run single with two outs, scoring Edgar Hernandez, who had reached on a hit by pitch, and Donnie Corsner, who reached on a fielder's choice.
The Rams pulled within one in the top of the fifth inning, as this time Fordham took advantage of an Old Dominion error. Angelo Ponte started the frame by reaching on an error by the Monarchs' third baseman. Michael Taddei followed with a single through the right side, putting runners at first and second. After a strikeout, Nick Martinez plated Ponte with a single to right with Taddei moving to third. After another strikeout, Walker came through with an RBI-single to score Taddei.
Fordham had a golden opportunity to tie the game in the top of the seventh inning, as the Rams loaded the bases with two outs on a Martinez walk, a double by Walker, and a walk to Mike Mobbs. Old Dominion reliever Cory Toth however would get pinch hitter Ryan David to ground out to first to end the threat.
Old Dominion later extended their lead in the bottom of the eighth inning of Fordham reliever
Rich Anastasi. Anastasi had moved along nicely, posting three scoreless innings of relief, but the Monarchs finally got to him, as Chris Buss led off the eighth with a single and was sacrificed to second. Corsner then doubled to center to score Buss for a 6-4 lead. After a pair of hit batsmen and two pitching changes, Hartman was able to plate Corsner with a sacrifice fly, giving Old Dominion a three-run lead, heading into the ninth.
The Rams would make it interesting in the ninth, as they worked the tying run to the plate. Como laced his second double of the game to lead off the inning, and moved to third on a Walker single. Toth then committed a balk, scoring Como with Walker moving to second. Toth however struck out McCrann and got Mobbs and Alex Kenny to ground out to end the game.
For Fordham, Walker had the first four-hit game of his career, going 4-for-5 with a double and two RBI, while Como was 3-for-5 with two doubles and two runs scored. Taddei also had a pair of hits for the Rams.
On the mound, Krakowiak (0-1) took the loss, allowing five unearned runs on just two hits in 3 2/3 innings. Anastasi threw 3 2/3 innings of relief, giving up two runs on four hits with six strikeouts.
Old Dominion's Ben Tomchick (1-0) recorded the win, allowing four runs on nine hits in six innings of work, while Toth recorded his first save, as he closed out the final three innings of the game.
The same two teams will wrap up their three-game series on Sunday with a 1:00 PM game.
