March 11, 2008

Box Score

READING, Pa. - Alvernia posted five runs on five hits in the second inning to post a 7-1 win over Franklin & Marshall Tuesday afternoon. The Crusaders (10-4) got seven strong innings from their starter, Chris Nicholas (2-0).

The Diplomats (1-1) led 1-0 midway through the second inning. Jason Anderson's second double of the season became F&M's lone run. Bill Murray knocked in the leadoff batter four his fourth RBI of the young F&M season. Save for the early run, the Diplomats had a tough time getting at Nicholas. The Crusaders' starter allowed one earned run on six hits, working seven innings for the win.

Alvernia responded by scoring runs in spades in the bottom of the frame. A leadoff single followed by a pair of bunt singles loaded the bases. Eric Focht wore a pitch to plate the tying run. Tim Carroll's double to centerfield plated two more runs. A sacrifice fly and wild pitch sent two more across before the inning was out. A walk and a hit batsman in the third inning ended Brad Andres' (0-1) day after two-and-a-thirds innings of work. The Crusaders put up two more runs at Jason Anderson's expense in the eighth.

For the second time in as many games this season, Anderson went 2-for-4 with an extra-base hit. Rightfielder, Shea Moriarty went 3-for-4. The Diplomats entered the contest on the heels of a nine-day layoff that saw six games postponed.

F&M returns to action on Saturday for a pair in Claremont, California. The Diplomats open the California Classic at Claremont Mudd-Scripps and will face Pomona-Pitzer in the afternoon contest. F&M is slated for 10 games in California.