April 29, 2005

Defense keys Rams 4-3 come-from-behind win

MOBILE, Ala. -- A spectacular defensive play in the top of the ninth inning and a run scoring wild pitch in the bottom of the ninth inning produced a 4-3 come-from-behind victory for the University of Mobile (34-20, 16-12) as they took game one of a three-game series against conference rival William Carey College Friday afternoon at home.

In the top of the ninth inning and the bases loaded with two outs and a tie game, relief pitcher Chris Copeland, who had just come into the game in relief of starting pitcher Simon Badeaux, forced a slow roller to short stop Eddie Davila who fielded the tricky hop and threw hard to first base. The throw was low but first baseman Josh Banashak dug the potential throwing error out of the dirt just in time to nail the Crusader runner leaving the bases loaded.

Leading off the bottom half of the ninth inning, right fielder Ron McMillan doubled to right field and advanced to third base on a wild pitch. After a walk to Banashak and steal of second base, catcher Justin Rosen struck out giving the Rams their first out of the inning.

Leadoff batter Carnell Parker, who had two hits in three at bats, was then intentionally walked to load the bases with only one out bringing J.C. Santana to the plate. However, Santana would see only one pitch, a fastball in the dirt that got away from the catcher and rolled to the backstop scoring McMillan from third base with the winning run.

Copeland (7-2) got the win only having to go one third of an inning. Starting pitcher Simon Badeaux pitched the first 8 2/3 but left with two out in the top of the ninth inning and the game tied at 3-3. Badeaux allowed three runs (one earned) on just six hits and struck out 10 Crusader batters.

Mobile, who entered the game in a three-way tie for second place in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference standings, now sits a half a game ahead of Loyola University who plays at first place leader LSU-Shreveport tonight and one full game ahead of William Carey.

Mobile will wrap up their series against William Carey tomorrow afternoon in a scheduled doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m.

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