Box Score April 28, 2012
Box Score
Cincinnati, Ohio -
In a 1-0 game, every play matters. The Fordham Rams found that out the hard way on Saturday, as Xavier stole a 2-1 decision from the Rams with two runs in the eighth inning and evened the series at Hayden Field.
With the loss, Fordham falls to 19-27 on the season, 10-7 in the Atlantic 10, while Xavier improved to 21-24 overall, 7-7 in the league.
Following a three-hour rain delay, starting pitching was the story over the first four innings, as Fordham's Joseph Charest and Xavier's Jon Richard traded zeroes with Richard giving up just two hits, while Charest gave up only a walk.
Fordham then struck for the first run of the game in the top of the fifth inning, loading the bases on singles by Stephen McSherry, Brian Kownacki, and Rob McCunney. Ryan Phelan then lifted a sacrifice fly to right field, scoring McSherry for the opening run of the contest.
Charest cruised along for Fordham until a mistake in the field cost the Rams the lead in the eighth. Daniel Rod opened with a single through the left side, which was followed by a bunt by Michael Moore. Kownacki fielded and swiped a tag at Moore, and was originally called out, but after an umpire conference was overturned and called safe. Brian Bruening then laid down another bunt, but an errant throw allowing him to reach base with Rod scoring on the play and Moore going to third. Moore then scored on a sacrifice fly by Mark Elwell, giving Xavier a 2-1 edge.
Seth Willoughby came on in the ninth inning and retired the side for his 11th save of the season, giving Richard the win, improving to 4-4 on the season. Richard allowed one run on seven hits with five strikeouts.
Charest (4-7) was the hard luck loser, pitching his fourth complete game of the season. He gave up only three hits in the game with both runs being unearned and struck out five.
At the plate, McSherry was 2-for-3 with a run scored, while Kownacki was also 2-for-3.
The rubber game of the series will take place on Sunday at noon.
