THE RUNDOWN
DBU claimed the first game of Friday's double-header against Valparaiso, 8-4. Despite a supposition that it would be a pitcher's duel, both teams combined for ten total runs in the first two innings.
Valpo plated a run in the top of the first against Dominic Hamel, but left runners on second and third. When the Patriots came to the plate against ace Colin Fields, they promptly plated six runs on five hits and three walks. River Town and Jackson Glenn singled to start the frame, followed by back-to-back walks by Cole Moore and Austin Bell. Christian Boulware would also earn a free pass before Andrew Benefield singled home a run. On the very next pitch of the inning, George Specht roped a single into right field. Nico Burgarello would plate the fifth run on a sacrifice fly, and River Town accounted for the sixth run with another RBI-single.Â
Valpo would answer the Patriots in the top of the second, finding three more runs against Hamel. From that point on, however, the righty from Arizona settled in. All told, Hamel would go five of the seven innings, striking out eight on 87 pitches.
Austin Bell and Jace Grady would single home an RBI each to reach the 8-4 final score in game one.Â
THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
-Â Seven different Patriots recorded RBI in the first game of the double header.
- River Town's batting average continues to skyrocket after the outfielder turned in a two-hit performance.
-Â The Patriots would go for the series against Valparaiso in game two of the double header.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
8 – The Patriots collected their eight runs on just eight hits in game one of the double header.
5 – DBU walked five times in the contest, consistently cluttering the bases for Valpo pitching.
13 – Hamel and Peyton Sherlin combined for 13 Ks in game one's victory.
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