March 15, 2011
Box Score
MASON, Ohio -- Xavier jumped out to a 3-0 lead after four innings, then hung on for a 3-2 victory over Miami Tuesday afternoon at a rainy Legacy Field at Prasco Park.
Bryce Redeker extended his hitting streak to nine games with a pair of doubles, while Kyle Weldon added two singles. Kevin Bower and Marcus Makuch rounded out the RedHawks' six-hit attack.
The Musketeers, 10-4 after their eighth straight win, tallied two in the second and one in the fourth to build an early advantage. The second started with a leadoff double down the right field line by Seth Willoughby. One out later, Ryan Bellamy opened the scoring with a sacrifice fly to left field. Patrick Paligraf followed with a solo home run to left field to make the score 2-0.
Another lead-off double by shortstop Phil Bauer and two groundouts provided Xavier with its third run. Musketeer hurler Brian Muransky (2-0) was masterful on the mound, striking out 11 of the 20 batters he faced in his six innings of work. He allowed just one hit and one walk.
But Miami (5-10) fought back against the Xavier bullpen in the seventh. The RedHawks loaded the bases with one out when Weldon and Bower singled, then Adam Weisenburger was hit by a pitch. Markus Makuch registered an infield single to score Weldon, then Brad Gschwind grounded out for another RBI. Markus Kuykendoll, the second Musketeer pitcher of the inning, got Ryan Curl to ground to third to end the inning.
Miami had another chance in the eight when Redeker launched a two-out double to the gap in right center. But he was thrown at third on a perfect relay throw by Bauer for the third out.
Willoughby, originally the designated hitter, pitched the ninth for his third save of the season. He allowed a leadoff single before retiring the next three batters.
Miami freshman Seth Varner (0-1) took the loss despite a solid effort on the mound. He pitched 3.2 inning, allowing all three runs on just four hits.
The RedHawks return to action this weekend when they travel to Morehead State for a three-game series. Saturday's doubleheader begins at 1 p.m.
