May 9, 2003
NORFOLK, VA. - Towson University scored three times in the seventh inning todefeat Old Dominion, 3-2 in a CAA matchup at the Bud Metheny Baseball Complex. Thevictory clinches a spot for the Tigers in the CAA Baseball Championships, May 20-24 in Manteo, NC. Towson is now 27-22 overall and 10-8 in the CAA. ODU is 16-29 overall,and 4-11 in the CAA.
The Monarchs took a 2-0 lead into the seventh. Justin Gregula (Washington, PA.) singled home Steven Harris (Va.Beach, VA.) in the second inning, and Joe Moore's (Woodbridge, VA.) groundout plated Gregula in the fourth.
In the Towson seventh, Mike Costello, the CAA's third leading hitter at .381 led off with a single. Brian McKenna followed with another single. After a strikeout, Verlander hit JeremyStifler with a pitch to load the bases. Designated hitter Derek Dixon singled home Costelloand McKenna to tie the game. Stiffler then scored from second on an errant pick-off attempt for third and decisive run.
The Monarchs loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the eight, but Tigerreliever Casper Wells got a force out at the plate and a strikeout to get out of the jam. Hefanned five in two-plus innings of work for his third save of the year.
Monarch righthander, Justin Verlander fanned seven, gave up five hits (three in theseventh) with three walks in the loss. He is now 7-5 with a 1.93 earned run average.
John Oehler led ODU's 12-hit attack with three hits, while Allen Strick, Steven Harrisand Justin Gregula each had two hits. The two teams play again Saturday after graduation at7 p.m.
LINESCORE
TU000 000 300=3-5-1ODU010 100 000=2-12-1
TU Battery: Jon Caslin, Casper Wells(7) and Jeremy StiflerODU Battery: Justin Verlander and John Oehler
WP: Caslin(6-2) LP: Verlander (7-5) Save: Wells(3)