Feb. 23, 2008

Box Score

SPARTANBURG, SC - George Washington scored at least one run in every inning but two on the way to a 12-5 win over NJIT in the Courtyard by Marriott Baseball Classic Saturday afternoon.

NJIT, playing its second game of the 2008 season, plated one run in the third and four in the bottom of the eighth inning bringing the score to 9-5, but George Washington added three runs in the top of the ninth closing out the game 12-5.

In the bottom of the third inning, the Highlanders got on the board scoring one run, on two hits and one error. A single up the middle by sophomore Ricky Petrosino and a bunt by centerfielder Craig Binkiewicz left base runners on first and second for sophomore Miguel Lugo.

Lugo, who reached on a fielder's choice, advanced Petrosino to third. An error by George Washington sent Petrosino home for the Highlanders first run of the game.

The Highlanders tallied four runs in the bottom of the eighth sparked by senior captain Chris Cardone. Cardone who replaced NJIT's Matt Schlitter behind the plate stepped up to bat for the first time this season and blasted a solo homerun over the centerfield fence.

First baseman Mike Turner followed behind with a single to left field while designated hitter Rob Pietrocola doubled down the left field line sending Turner to third.

NJIT recorded three consecutive RBI singles by senior Dan Morogiello, sophomore third baseman Rich Nazario and freshman Dom Hayes bringing the Highlanders within four runs of George Washington, 9-5.

Leftfielder Petrosino hit a perfect 3-for-3 and Cardone went 2-for-2 on the day as the Highlanders accounted for 16 hits. Pietrocola was the only other Highlander recording three hits going 3-for-5 on the day. Four different Highlanders had two hits apiece.

George Washington starter Pat Lehman scattered seven hits over the first six innings gaining credit for his first win of the season.

Sophomore left-handed pitcher Bobby Wyrwa started and took the loss for the Highlanders. He worked five innings and allowed four hits.

NJIT returns to action tomorrow morning in the final day of the Courtyard by Marriott Baseball Classic taking on Tennessee-Martin at 10:00am.