TicketsMarch 30, 2008
SOUTH BEND, Ind.-- Jake Geglein gave a valiant effort, pitching a career-long three and two-thirds innings of relief to finish the University of Cincinnati's 4-3 victory over Notre Dame in the rubber game of the BIG EAST Conference series.
The game was anything but decided with two outs in the bottom of the ninth when an infield single to third base would have set runners on first and third, but the base runner continued toward home in an attempt to tie the score. Shortstop Chris Peters picked up the dribbler and fired it high to the plate to catcher Ryan Baker. The senior made an acrobatic catch and tag at the dish to stop the would-be tying run.
Walks haunted throughout Frank Eck Stadium after Notre Dame starting pitcher Eric Maust yielded four base on balls and made his exit in the third inning with Cincinnati in front, 4-0. The righthander allowed three hits, but each free pass resulted in a UC run.
Maust found himself in an early hole after he walked Tony Campana and Jamel Scott to start the game. A double steal moved the fleet-footed duo into scoring position. Kevin Johnson then pulled a single to right field that allowed both runners to score and gave the Bearcats a 2-0 advantage.
Cincinnati (12-10, 4-2 BIG EAST) added a run in the second inning to make it a 3-0 lead. With Justin Riddell and Ryan Baker standing at first and third after a walk and base hit, Campana singled to left field to bring home the third UC run.
In the top of the third, Johnson led off with a walk to force Maust's ouster. Mike Spina immediately knocked a single to right-center field against reliever Cole Johnson. Johnson then induced a double play that plated Johnson and gave the Bearcats a 4-0 cushion. Johnson kept Notre Dame in the game, working five and a third innings of scoreless relief.
Notre Dame's (13-9-1, 4-2 BIG EAST) three consecutive base hits against UC starting pitcher Tyler Smith produced the home side's first run of the afternoon. Smith (2-2) registered a strikeout to get out of the inning.
The Irish scratched again in the sixth when after a leadoff base hit, the ensuing batter doubled off the bottom of the fence to cut the lead in half. Smith exited the game with the Bearcats in front 4-2. Brian Sand and Jake Geglein combined to close the door on the Irish rally.
Geglein, who entered the game with one out in the sixth, allowed a run in the seventh that trimmed the UC lead to one, at 4-3. The junior righthander pitched three and two-thirds innings earn his team-leading fourth save of the season.
Rain showers delayed the start of the game approximately two hours and 27 minutes.
After their successful road swing, the Bearcats return home to the Marge Schott Stadium to face regional rival Miami (OH). First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
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