Box Score

DBU turned in another outstanding pitching performance, combined with a pair of long balls, in a 2-1 win over visiting Grambling State University, Tuesday evening at Horner Ballpark. The win moves the Patriots to 4-0 on the young season, with the Tigers dropping to 0-4.
 
"The huge positive to come out of this game is to have a close game, and to come out on top," said DBU Head Coach Dan Heefner. "That will give the guys some confidence, it was the best part of tonight's game, to put some pressure on the guys."
 
Grambling struck first, scoring a single run in the opening frame when Johnathon Tineo singled up the middle, scoring Juan Bueno. Bueno had previously struck out, but reached base when the pitch bounced in the dirt and away from DBU catcher Daniel Salters, allowing Bueno to advance to first.
 
Both pitchers took control for the next several frames, as neither team had a base runner past second base for four innings. Patriot shortstop Trevin Sonnier broke the silence in the bottom of the fifth, however, drilling a solo home run over the right-center field wall to tie the contest at one.
 
Both sides went quiet again, this time for two and a half innings, before Salters stepped to the plate in the bottom of the eighth. With the count at 2-2, the DBU catcher hit a towering home run over the right field wall, giving the Patriots the 2-1 lead heading into the ninth.
 
The defensive play of the night for DBU came in the top of the ninth. With Kris Minter on third base and one out, Tineo hit a bouncing ball to Camden Duzenack at second base. The freshman fired a strike to Salters, who then applied the tag to keep the tying run from scoring. The next hitter grounded out to third, ending the threat and completing the 2-1 victory.
 
Cory Taylor gave six strong innings on the mound for DBU, allowing one unearned run on three hits, striking out four and walking one. Josh Urban (1-0) worked the seventh and eighth innings, allowing only a single hit and striking out two. Joseph Shaw earned his first save of the season, working the ninth inning without allowing a hit.
 
"Having this pitching staff is great," added Heefner. "To start with Cory (Taylor), who could be a Friday night guy, pitching on a weeknight, and then Urban and Shaw in the back of the bullpen, it is really something special."
 
Sonnier and Salters, who produced the two DBU long balls, each had a pair of hits. KJ Alexander turned in the only other Patriot hit, with Nash Knight reaching twice by base on balls.
 
For Grambling, Tineo was joined by Dion Holbrook, each with a pair of hits, accounting for all four Tiger hits. Zach Moreau (0-1) took the hard luck loss, following a solid performance on the mound. The senior working eight innings, allowing two runs on the five hits, striking out seven and walking five.
 
The Patriots look to continue the winning streak to open the season, taking to the road for the first time for a weekend series at Sam Houston State University. Friday's contest is slated for 6:30 p.m., with Saturday at 4 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. Broadcast of all three games will be available at dbupatriots.com/showcase.