LaGrange, Ga. – March 13, 2010 – The Heidelberg University baseball team split a pair of games on its final day of its 2010 Spring Trip. The day opened with a 13-8 victory over Montclair State University, but ended with an 8-6 setback to LaGrange College. Both contests were played at Cleaveland Field in LaGrange, Ga. For the year, Heidelberg, ranked fifth in the nation, stands at 7-1.
In game one on the day, Heidelberg overcame a combined five hours of rain delay to pick up the win. In the bottom half of the fourth Heidelberg had a two-out rally to break a 4-4 tie which led to the eventual victory. In the fourth the Berg had six hits and four runs scored. Knocking in runs was Willie Brechun (Canton, Ohio / Canton Central Catholic) with a triple, along with an RBI single from Gar Keen (Sparta, Ohio / Highland). Alex Monroe (Chagrin Falls, Ohio / Kenston) drew a bases loaded walk to send a run across, while the fourth run was courtesy of a Montclair State miscue.
Heidelberg combined for 14 hits in the game. Leading the way at the plate was Ricardo Lizcano (Toledo, Ohio / Roy C. Start), going 3-for-5 with three runs scored and two runs batted in. Finishing with two hits apiece was Elvin Williams (Euclid, Ohio / Euclid), Keen, Brechun, Jason Lash (Strongsville, Ohio / Strongsville) and Steve Decker (Maumee, Ohio / Springfield). Monroe connected for Heidelberg’s first home run on the season, a solo shot to left field.
Nathan James (Rockport, Ind. / South Spencer) picked up the win on the mound to improve to 2-0. In 5.0 innings of work James gave up six hits, four runs, three earned and struck out three.
In the night cap versus LaGrange, two big innings by the host Panthers proved to be enough for a victory. Heidelberg scored two in its first at bat before LaGrange plated five in the bottom half of the second and held on to the lead for the remainder of the game.
Suffering the loss on the mound was Sylvester Nino (Willard, Ohio / Willard). Nino threw 4.2 innings and gave up five hits and eight runs, five earned. Along the way he struck out four.
At the plate, Heidelberg held an 11-7 advantage in hits. Picking up three apiece was Keen and Brechun. Lash followed with two. Knocking in two runs was Brechun.