TicketsMay 15, 2009
CINCINNATI - A two-run Seton Hall RBI single in the eighth inning propelled the Pirates to an 8-6 win over the University of Cincinnati baseball team in Game 1 of Friday's doubleheader at Marge Schott Stadium. The loss dropped Cincinnati to 28-27 overall and 12-14 in the BIG EAST, while the win improved Seton Hall to 25-23 overall and 13-13 in league play.
The Bearcats fell behind in the top of the second as a three two-out hits, including a three-run home run by Will Walsh, placed Seton Hall in front, 3-0.
Cincinnati cut into its deficit in the second inning courtesy of two doubles from the bottom of the order. Junior Kevin Johnson (Willard, Ohio/Willard) lined a one-out double down the right field line to kick off the frame and after a fly out to center field, a two-out double to left field by redshirt freshman Zach Collaros (Steubenville, Ohio/Steubenville) plated Johnson and cut the deficit to two runs, 3-1.
In the third inning, junior Lance Durham (Forest Park, Ohio/Roger Bacon) drew a one-out walk and with two outs and Durham still on first base, Durham moved to second base on a balk. The balk benefited UC as sophomore Justin Riddell (Lexington, Ky./Lexington Catholic) singled to right field on the next pitch, scoring Durham and cutting the deficit in half, 3-2.
Three Pirates hits coupled with a two-out Bearcat error in the top of the fifth aided a three-run, two-out rally as Seton Hall widened its lead to 6-2.
In the bottom of the fifth, freshman T.J. Jones (Cincinnati, Ohio/LaSalle) singled to lead off the inning and during the next at-bat, Jones advanced to third off an errant throw from the first baseman that placed Jones on third base and senior Cameron Satterwhite (Cincinnati, Ohio/Moeller) on first. Durham singled through the right side scoring Jones. However, the threat ended on a double play and a fly out and the game went to the sixth trailing 6-3.
UC tied the game in the sixth on a three-run home run by Jones, his fourth of the season, but two Seton Hall runs in the eighth gave the Pirates an 8-6 lead.
After the Pirates were held scoreless in the ninth, the Bearcats were held without a run in their half of the ninth as Seton Hall took Game 1, 8-6.
It all comes down to the final game of the season as the winner of Game 2 of Friday's doubleheader will capture the final spot in the 2009 BIG EAST Conference Tournament in Clearwater, Fla. The tournament will take place May 18-23 at Bright House Networks Field.