March 4, 2006
NORFOLK, VA--Freshman Jimmy Miles (Orlando, FL) collected four hits, and a three-run 7th inning propelled the Old Dominion Monarchs to a 7-6 nonconference win over Rhode Island on Saturday. ODU is now 12-3 in 2006, while the Rams drop to 1-1 on the year. Senior Needham Jones (Portsmouth, VA/Wilson HS) picked up the victory after coming on relief and pitching out of a 6th inning jam for Old Dominion. Jones is now 2-0 on the year. Hunter Hall (Virginia Beach, VA/First Colonial) earned the save.
The Monarchs jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the 2nd inning after Patrick Nichols (Chesapeake, VA) blasted a two-run homer deep to leftfield. Nichols now has a team-high five home runs in only nine games played.
Rhode Island would respond with a huge five run inning in the 4th as they registered seven hits in that frame. Zach Zaneski, Mike O'Malley, Shaun Hagey, and Wayne Russo all knocked in runs for the Rams in the fourth inning. For ODU, freshman Anthony Shawler (Chesapeake, VA/Oscar Smith) hit a solo homer to rightfield to bring the score to 5-4 after four innings of play.
Jones entered the game in the sixth inning with runners on second and third, and promptly struck out Daryl Holcomb and forced Wayne Russo to ground out to get out of a jam.
With the Monarchs down by one heading into their half of the seventh inning, Mike Zahm (Omaha, NE) doubled in Chris Keenan to tie the ballgame. Junior Tyler Belcher (Bristol, VA) then singled in Keenan, and Zahm also scored as a Ram outfielder committed an error.
After Jones gave up a run in the top of the 9th, Hall entered the game and held Rhode Island to a fielders choice and strikeout of C.J. Simons to end the game.
Miles' 4 for 4 effort brings his average to .452 in his freshman campaign, and he also added two stolen bases. Nichols and Justin Gregula (Washington, PA) added two hits for the Monarchs. Zahm knocked in two runs for Old Dominion.
Dave Savard had three hits for Rhode Island to lead their offensive output.
Game three of this series with Rhode Island culminated on Sunday at 2:00 p.m at the Bud Metheny Complex.
URI 000 500 001- 6 11 1ODU 120 100 30X- 7 13 2
WP- Jones (2-0) LP- Palanski (0-1) Save- Hall (1)