WINTER HAVEN, Fla. -- The Wayne State University baseball team (3-7) met Walsh (8-8) for the second time this season, both games of the non-conference variety. The Warriors could never get any sustained offense going and the Cavaliers captured the second victory of the season over WSU.
HOW IT HAPPENED-
Tyler Waldrop (Grand Ledge, Mich.) (1-1) looked to build upon his impressive relief outing on March 5 where he went three innings to get the win and did not allow a run on two hits while striking out four batters. However, Walsh greeted the freshman right-hander with a lead-off home run in the top of the first inning. Later that frame, an RBI single increased WU's lead to 2-0. Waldrop settled when he returned to the mound in the second inning, striking out two batters.
Jeremy Carrell (St. Clair, Mich) collected his second base hit in as many at bats with a single to lead off the bottom of the third inning. After a wild pitch,
Griffin Harms (Bingham Farms, Mich. / Birmingham Groves) cut the deficit in half with an RBI single through the left side.
- The Cavaliers responded with three runs on three hits and a Warrior error to take a 5-1 lead. Wayne State was unable to take advantage of a fielding error in the bottom of the fourth inning. Waldrop continued to battle and retired the side in order in the top of the fifth inning. A throwing error from new pitcher
Taylor Horn (Leo, Ind.) in the top of the sixth inning gave the Cavs a 6-1 lead.
- Another home run to led off the top of the seventh inning, putting Walsh ahead 7-1. Two infield singles in the bottom of the eighth inning netted two runs but that would be the final offense of the day for either side.
LEADING THE WARRIORS- Carrell, Harms and
Aaron Loconsole (Macomb, Mich. / Marine City) all turned in two-hit games, while
Justin Kelly (Wheaton, Ill. / Wheaton Warrenville South) added a double.
ON THE MOUND- WSU used four more pitchers after Waldrop exited in the sixth inning. Waldrop allowed six runs (two earned) five 1/3 innings and struck out three while walking two. Horn pitched an inning and a 1/3, while
Addison Pawelek (Shelby Twp., Mich. / De La Salle),
JT Conti (Trenton, Mich.) and
Tyler Tompson (Farmington, Mich.) held the Cavs scoreless over the fine two 1/3 innings.
UP NEXT- Wayne State will leave RussMatt Invitational play for a one-game appearance in the Clearwater Invitational against Rockhurst on Tuesday with first pitch scheduled for 6 p.m.