March 2, 2010
Box Score B-CU Updated 9-game stats/scores (2-7)
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EXCITING LATE VICTORY OVER STETSON IN HOME OPENER STOPS LOSING STREAK AT FIVE
Emmanuel Castro's RBI double in the bottom of the ninth with one out scored Alejandro Jimenez from first base to beat the Stetson Hatters in walk-off style 11-10 in the season home opener at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.
"I am excited for our team as this was a big win," said B-CU Head Coach Mervyl Melendez. "We were persistent, we never gave up after falling behind in the first inning early. And when they tied it at 10-10 (in the 7th inning), we knew what we had to do and we did it. Last year, we never had a walk-off victory like this. Especially after the long road trip, this was a special win for us."
Stetson (3-5) went ahead 3-0 in the top of the first inning but the Wildcats (2-7) battled back with seven runs scored in the bottom of the inning. C.J. Lauriello's double led off the game and Peter O'Brien with a grand slam home run keyed the B-CU outburst in the first stanza.
B-CU went up 10-4 scoring three more runs in the second inning on a Alejandro Jimenez three-run round-tripper to right field. Jimenez led the 11-hit attack going 4-5 with 3 RBI and scoring the game-winner in the ninth inning.
Starter RHP Patrick Goelz pitched the first three innings and allowed 9 runs (8 earned) and 11 hits leaving with a 10-9 lead. RHP Gabriel Hernendez pitched 2.0 scoreless innings, followed by Joey Munoz and Justin Dahl pitching into the eighth inning when the Wildcats went with 2B & closer Juan Perez with one out in the 8th.
"We brought in our horse (Perez) as we were very eager for a victory and knew the game was on the line. We brought him in early with the score tied and he struck out two and pitched well in the eight and ninth."
Perez (1-0) pitched 1.2 innings with two K's facing five batters and lowering his ERA to 1.69 in the victory.
The Wildcats continue at home Wednesday night hosting Jacksonville University, 6 p.m. at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. LHP Roman Lancara will get the pitching start for the Wildcats vs. JU.
