The Patriots from Dallas Baptist University defeated Monmouth (1-5) on Tuesday afternoon by the score of 9-5 in day two action of the Pepsi/Johnny Quik Classic hosted by Fresno State University. DBU improved to 9-8 on the year with the win.
Sophomore Randall Taylor pitched eight innings, allowing five runs, three earned, while improving to 3-2 on the season.
Sophomore Ricky Sparks came into the game in the ninth to close out the game and pick up his third save of the year and second in two days, striking out the side.
Leading the Patriots at the plate was Sophomore Daniel Magness, who went 2 for 3 with four RBI and Senior Sean Burgess, who added two runs and two RBI.
The Hawks did not waste any time getting runs on the board, managing to score two runs on two hits and a throwing error in the top of the first inning, taking an early 2-0 lead.
DBU responded in the bottom of the second, after Monmouth starting pitcher Brett Conner walked the bases loaded, setting up Magness’ two RBI single, scoring Junior Garrett Baker and Burgess, tying the score 2-2.
The Patriots added to their lead in the third inning. Junior Israel Victor walked to start the inning and Junior T.J. Drotleff doubled. Burgess added a two RBI double and Baker followed with a single and stole second. Magness reached on an error, which scored two more runs, increasing the Patriots lead to 6-2.
DBU added one more run in the fifth inning, after Baker singled and advanced to second on a stolen base. Conner walked Magness and Junior Damian Gomez and Baker scored on a wild pitch by relief pitcher Mike Reagle, leaving the score 7-2.
Monmouth opened the sixth inning with a lead off double and a RBI triple to right center field. The Hawks added a RBI single, closing the score to 7-4.
Junior Cody Montgomery reached on an error to open the bottom of the sixth inning and later scored on a RBI single by Junior Drew Holder, making the score 8-4.
The Hawks scored one run in the top of the eighth inning, closing in on the Patriot lead 8-5.
DBU added one run of their own in the bottom half of the inning, after Holder walked to lead off the inning and scored on an error by a Monmouth outfielder, allowing Baker to reach third base, adding to DBU’s 9-5 lead.
The Patriots resume action on Wednesday morning when they play Penn State at 10:00 in their third game of the Pepsi/Johnny Quik Classic in Fresno, California.
