UMBC Downs Duke In Wednesday?s Doubleheader

Wednesday, March 22

Durham, N.C.

3:00 PM

Duke University

UMBC

Murray Delivers Walk-Off Single In Ninth In Duke?s 4-3 Win Over No. 18 Virginia

UMBC Downs Duke In Wednesday?s Doubleheader

3/22/2006 12:00:00 AM | Baseball

By: Duke Sports Information

DURHAM, N.C. ? The University of Maryland, Baltimore County won both games in its Wednesday doubleheader with Duke, defeating the Blue Devils, 7-1, in game one before winning, 4-0, in game two at Jack Coombs Field. The Blue Devils fall to 8-18 on the season while the Retrievers improve to 8-7.

In game one, UMBC starter Jon Pavlis (2-3) tossed a complete game five-hitter to lead the Retrievers to a 7-1 victory. UMBC put up back-to-back three-run innings in the sixth and the seventh to spark the six-run win. In game two, the Retrievers posted four runs in the top of the third to take the 4-0 victory.

UMBC took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning of game one on a two-out RBI-double by right fielder Mike Scheffel.

Duke tied the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the fifth. First baseman Jonathan Nicolla singled through the right side to start the frame and then advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by left fielder Daniel Palmer. Third baseman Adam Murray then laced an RBI-double over Scheffel's head in right center, scoring Nicolla to tie the ballgame.

In the top of the sixth, the Retrievers took a 4-1 lead on a three-run homer by left fielder Joe Fowler. Designated hitter Zach Clark singled to left to begin the inning before advancing to second on a sacrifice bunt by shortstop Steve Bowen. First baseman Steve Gale was then intentionally walked to give the Blue Devils a chance at an inning-ending double play. Fowler had something else in mind, however, and blasted a hanging curve ball over the left field wall for his team-leading third round tripper of the year.

UMBC duplicated their three-run sixth with a three-run seventh to take a commanding 7-1 lead. Third baseman Mark Lemon singled up the middle before advancing to second on a bunt single by second baseman Ian Carman. After Scheffel lined out to right, Clark roped an RBI-single up the middle to score Lemon. Pinch hitter Anthony Socarras then flew out to left before Gale was hit by a pitch. With the bases loaded, Fowler lined a two-run single into left field to cap the scoring.

Duke starter Tony Bajoczky (1-5) suffered his fifth loss of the season, allowing four runs on seven hits in 6.0 innings of work.

Fowler led the Retrievers at the plate, going 2-for-3 with five RBI while Clark went 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored in the opening game.

In the nightcap, UMBC scored four times in the third and starter Sean Rae threw 5.1 shutout innings en route to a 4-0 victory.

Shortstop Anthony Socarras led off the fourth with a single to center for the Retrievers. After center fielder Mike Scheffel drew a walk, left fielder Joe Fowler singled to right field to load the bases. Designated hitter Zach Clark followed with an RBI-single to right, scoring Socarras. First baseman Steve Gale then laced a two-run double down the left field line to score Scheffel and Fowler. UMBC would later score their fourth run of the inning on a Duke error to cap the scoring.

Rae (1-0) earned his first win of the season, holding the Blue Devils to five hits in 5.1 scoreless frames. Left-hander Eddie Bach worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the bottom of the sixth, getting pinch hitter Jonathan Nicolla and left fielder Adam Murray to strike out swinging to pick up his second save of the year.

Duke starter Andrew Wolcott (1-1) suffered his first loss of the season, allowing three earned runs on six hits in 4.1 innings of work. Freshman Jimmy Saris threw 1.2 perfect innings and junior Danny Otero added 1.0 perfect inning in relief of Wolcott.

Murray, second baseman Javier Socorro and shortstop Brett Bartles were the only three Blue Devils to record a pair of hits in the doubleheader.

Gale led the Retrievers in the nightcap, going 2-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored.

The Blue Devils will travel to Tallahassee, Fla., on Friday for a three-game series with No. 1 Florida State (21-2, 5-1 ACC).

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