LYNCHBURG, VA— Old Dominion University junior catcher Mike Perez (Fairfax Station, VA) and sophomore outfielder Brian Beard (Chesapeake, VA.) both knocked in two runs to lead the Monarchs (2-2) to a 7-4 victory over the Flames of Liberty (1-3) Tuesday afternoon.
In the ODU second, Perez tripled home Ben Slaton (Magnolia, MS.)and Beard followed with an RBI groundout to bring home Perez and put the Monarchs up 2-1.
In the sixth after Slaton doubled and Jordan Negrini (Kihei, HI.) reached on an error, Perez singled home Slaton to tie the game at 3-3. Beard then reached on a fielder’s choice, scoring Negrini from third for a 4-3 ODU lead.
In the eighth Perez scored on senior shortstop Tyler Urps (Wilton, CA.)fielder’s choice RBI and Negrini came home on a throwing error. Beard would later score on an error in that inning as well.
The Monarchs pounded out 12 hits on the day led by Perez with three. Ben Slaton, and Jordan Negrini each had two hits. Senior righthander Dean Ali (Chesapeake, VA.) picked up the win and senior Brad Gero (Lake Worth, FL.) got the save in the ninth.
Designated hitter Ryan Seiz led the Flames with three hits and two runs batted in. The Monarchs return to action Wednesday in Richmond against VCU at the Diamond. Game time is 3 p.m.
ODU 020 002 030 =7-12-0
LU 110 100 010= 4-12-3
ODU- Harris, Ali(4),Overton(6),Bishop(8),Gero(9) and Perez
LU- Perritt, Fulghum(2),Marsh(8)
WP: Ali (1-1) LP: Fulghum(0-1) Save: Gero (1)