George Washington University Athletics
George Washington University
<b>FORDHAM</b>
GW Drops Rubber Game to Fordham
3/25/2007 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
March 25, 2007
ARLINGTON, VA - Fordham starting pitcher Tom Davis struck out a career-high 10 batters and allowed just three hits in seven innings to propel the Rams (9-8, 2-1 A-10) past George Washington (8-14, 1-2 A-10) by a final of 8-2, on a sun-soaked Sunday afternoon at Barcroft Park.
After the Colonials took the series opener on Friday 7-6 in 10 innings, the Rams responded, winning the next two games to claim the series. The three games marked the beginning of Atlantic 10 Conference play for both schools. GW is now 13-3 all-time versus Fordham
Fordham opened the game's scoring in the top of the first. Lead off hitter Eric Reese reached on a GW fielding error, moved to second on a bunt-single, advanced to third on a fielder's choice and then came around to score on a Bobby DiNardo single to left field.
The Rams added to their lead in their half of the second on a two-run home run by Eric Reese, his second of the season, giving Fordham the 3-0 lead.
After a shaky first inning and surrendering the home run to Reese, starting pitcher Scott Swinson (Ellicott City, MD/Centennial) settled down, retiring eight batters in a row between the second and fourth innings. Swinson, whose record dropped to 2-3, pitched seven innings, surrendered three runs, two earned, on five hits and struck out five.
GW cut into the lead in the bottom of the sixth when senior Mickey Shupin (Sea Girt, NJ/Wall) blasted a solo home run to left field, his first of the season and the second of his career. Unfortunately, that was as close as the Colonials would come in today's game.
Fordham took control of the game in the top of the ninth, scoring five funs on five hits. Rich Goulian smashed a double through the left side to plate two runs and Jordan Lert followed with a double to deep right-center that scored two more Rams. John Mollicone added an RBI-double to right center before GW pitcher Arllen Cruz (Flushing, NY/Benjamin Cardozo) entered the game and recorded the final two outs of the inning.
The Colonials threatened in the bottom of the ninth, but managed just one run. Charlie Kruer (Old Bridge, NJ/Old Bridge) led-off with a solo home run (5) to right field. GW then loaded the bases, but Fordham pitcher Ryan Welch buckled down and struck out the side to earn his second save of the series.
Mickey Shupin was the only Colonial to record at least two hits in Sunday's game. The senior third baseman finished the series against Fordham 6-for-13 (.462) with three runs scored.
George Washington travels to Georgetown on Tuesday to face the Hoyas at 3:00 p.m. On Wednesday, the Colonials will face off against the Tigers of Towson, in Maryland, at 2:30 p.m.
- GW -
