CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Despite registering double-digit hits, the Old Dominion Monarchs fell to the Marshall Thundering Herd for the second time this weekend, 4-3, on Friday afternoon at Appalachian Power Park. With the loss, ODU fell to 31-22 overall and 14-15 in league action, while Marshall improved to 32-18 on the year and 21-8 in C-USA.
Today it was Marshall that jumped out to the early 2-0 lead in the first inning, but the Monarchs bounced back in the top of the fourth to tie the game. With two runners on after a single from Kurt Sinnen and a double by Connor Myers, freshman designated hitter Will Morgan singled to left field to score ODU’s first run (2-1). The Monarchs then forced Marshall’s defense to make a quick decision as Morgan took off for second base, giving Myers the chance to steal home and tie the game (2-2) after the catcher threw to down trying to catch Morgan.
The Thundering Herd put up two more runs over the next three innings to hold the 4-2 advantage. Right fielder Nick Walker sparked an ODU comeback after he blasted his first home run of the year over the left field wall in the top of the eighth (4-3). The Monarchs kept the momentum going in the top of the ninth and had runners on first and second with no outs, but a failed sacrifice bunt and a double play ended the ODU threat and gave Marshall the win.
Walker and Sinnen led the Monarchs with three hits apiece, while Walker recorded his first home run of the season. Myers also registered two hits and a run scored. Adam Bainbridge was hit with the loss after pitching five innings with nine hits and three runs allowed. Morgan Maguire pitched three innings in relief and allowed four hits and one run.
Corey Bird paced Marshall with a 3-for-5 outing with one run and one RBI, while three other players registered two hits for the Herd. Parker Danciu earned the win after pitching seven innings, allowing eight hits and three runs while fanning five. Burris Warner picked up the save by closing the final two innings and allowing just two hits.
The Monarchs and the Herd will face off one more time tomorrow in the regular season finale for both teams at 1 p.m. at Appalachian Power Park. The game will be broadcast on STAR 1310 with Ted Alexander on the call, while being streamed on herdzone.com. Live stats are also available on herdzone.com once the contest begins.
ODU| 000 200 010 - 3 10 2
MAR| 200 011 00X - 4 13 0
ODU| Adam Bainbridge, Morgan Maguire (6)
MAR| Parker Danciu, Burris Warner (8)
Win| Parker Danciu (5-3)
Loss| Adam Bainbridge (3-5)
Save| Burris Warner (10)
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