April 17, 2010

Drury Takes First Two in Series Against Baseball Tritons

Game 1
Game 2

ST. LOUIS, MO. – Visiting Drury University posted wins of 7-2 and 7-0 over the University of Missouri-St. Louis baseball team as the two squads began a four-game series Saturday afternoon in Great Lakes Valley Conference action at the UMSL Baseball Field.

The Tritons were held to just two hits in game one, while giving up 12 hits to the Panthers and committing four errors.

Drury took advantage of a fielding error by senior Kenny Ford, to extend the top of the fourth inning and score two unearned runs for an early 2-0 lead.

Panthers’ pitcher Chris Barratt retired the first 11 UMSL batters before issuing a walk to junior Andrew Keating for the Tritons’ first base runner in the bottom of the fourth inning.

The Panthers then led off the sixth inning with two singles and ended that frame with four hits to tack on another two runs for a 4-0 advantage.

Junior John Tierney ended the no-hitter attempt in the bottom of the sixth inning with lead-off single to left field. Junior Manny Flores followed with another single, while junior Drew Standefer reached on four straight balls to load the bases. Ford then helped get one run back with a sacrifice fly to centerfield to score Tierney. A walk to senior Erik Walk brought Flores across the plate to trim the deficit to 4-2.

Drury added one run in the seventh and tacked on a pair of runs in the eighth inning for the final score.

Senior Brandon Fear (2-4) scattered 10 hits and allowed five runs, including three earned, while striking out four and issuing three walks in seven complete innings of work.

In the nightcap, Drury’s RJ Knese delivered a two-out grand slam in the top of the fourth inning to help the Panthers to a quick 5-0 lead. Drury then scored twice in the sixth for the 7-0 win.

Senior Gurdine Acklin (1-6) went five innings, scattering 10 hits and allowing seven runs. Drury recorded another 12 hits in game two.

The Tritons bats were once again held silent, with the Panthers pitching staff allowing just three hits – singles by junior Zach Hulbert and seniors Michael Hoosen and Kenny Ford. UMSL was also charged with three errors.


The Tritons slip to 10-30 on the season with the losses, including 6-16 in the GLVC, while Drury improves its ledger to 18-19 and 12-8 in the league with the win.

The two teams close out the series tomorrow with a 12 p.m. doubleheader.

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