March 16, 2008

Box Score

LOS ANGELES - Franklin & Marshall and Wesleyan University combined for 31 runs on 37 hits on Occidental's Anderson Field Sunday afternoon. The Diplomats accounted for 20 of the hits, picking up a 16-15 win on the strength of an eight run fifth. The win ended a three-game slide for F&M going back to the season-opening win at Villa Julie.

All of F&M's (2-3) starters picked up at least a hit, including Jason Anderson, who went 4-for-6 with three RBIs and two runs scored. One RBI and run came on his leadoff homer in the seventh. Matt Donahue also drove in three runs and scored once on a 2-for-6 day at the plate.

F&M trailed 4-2 heading into the fifth-inning. F&M batted around in the top half of the frame. Anderson led off the frame with a single through the right side. That was followed by a Rich Gallugi double moving Anderson over to third. Gordon Pellegrini recorded a one-out single to send Anderson across making it 4-3. Eric Bornstein then drew a walk to load the bases. Donahue doubled, clearing the bases, and putting F&M ahead 6-4.

The Diplomats remained out in front the rest of the way.

Tom Miller drew a walk to join Donahue on the basepaths. Matt Will then doubled to drive the sixth and seventh run of the inning across the plate. Mark Minutaglio drove in Will to make it 10-4 midway through the fifth.

F&M scored in each of the next three innings, while Wesleyan chipped away.

The last chance Cardinals (5-5) made things interesting, rallying for six runs in the bottom of the ninth. The comeback bid included a two RBI double that left the tying runner in scoring position with two outs. A fly ball to left field cinched the game for F&M. Anderson recorded the final out for his first save of the season.

Diplomats' starter, Matt Metsch (1-0), picked up his first win of the season. Metsch worked five-and-one-thirds innings allowing eight runs, seven earned, on nine hits. He struck out four. Christian Leary struck out four in two-and-two-thirds innings in relief.

The Diplomats return to action this evening at Whittier. First pitch is set for 3:30 p.m. PST.