TicketsCINCINNATI -- Redshirt junior Paul Komistek collected three hits, but the Cincinnati Bearcats fell to the Xavier Musketeers, 10-6, Wednesday in the first round of the 12th annual Joe Nuxhall Classic.
Redshirt sophomore pitcher Ben Vore (0-1) started and took the loss on the mound for Cincinnati (9-14). Redshirt sophomore pitcher Alex Shea was a bright spot out of the bullpen, going three shutout innings while allowing one hit, walking one and striking out five.
In addition to his three hits, Komistek had a home run and three RBIs to lead the Bearcats. Redshirt sophomore infielder Ryan Nicholson put together a noteworthy day at the dish as well, going 2-for-5 with a double, a home run and two RBIs. Redshirt sophomore catcher Cam Scheler also contributed for Cincinnati, putting together two hits in four trips to the plate while adding a walk and an RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Trailing 6-0, the Bearcats first put runs on the board in the second inning. Cincinnati hit two home runs in the inning off the bats of Komistek and Nicholson on the way to scoring five runs.
The Bearcats deficit grew to 7-5 before their offense got back on the scoreboard, cutting into that deficit in the seventh inning. Cincinnati scored once on an RBI single off the bat of Scheler, which tightened the Musketeers lead to 7-6. The Bearcats were unable to get any closer, as Xavier added three runs to their tally in the top of the ninth on the way to a 10-6 final.
GAME NOTES
» Komistek led the Bearcats at the plate, going 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBIs. The home run was his fifth of the season, which ranks third on the team.
» Cincinnati's power output was led by Nicholson, who compiled two extra base hits in the ballgame. His home run in the second inning marked his sixth of the year, which gives him the second-most on the team. He has homered in back-to-back games.
» Sophomore outfielder Josh Hegemann made his first collegiate start today, manning center field for UC.
» A pair of relievers had their best outings of the year today. Redshirt sophomore pitcher Chase Hopewell went a season-high 2.2 innings while giving up only one hit. Shea struck out five batters in three shutout innings of work. The five strikeouts were a season high.
» With 2,382 fans in attendance, this game marked the second-most attended game in the history of Cincinnati baseball.
TICKET INFORMATION
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