Bennett?s Three-Run Homer Lifts Phoenix Past Blue Devils

Wednesday, February 22

Durham, N.C.

3:00 PM

Duke University

Elon

Rye?s Three-Run Homer Sparks No. 1 Florida State?s 12-4 Victory Over Duke

Bennett?s Three-Run Homer Lifts Phoenix Past Blue Devils

2/22/2006 12:00:00 AM | Baseball

By: Duke Sports Information

DURHAM, N.C. ? Shortstop Paul Bennett's three-run homer capped a four-run fifth inning for the Elon Phoenix as they defeated the Duke Blue Devils, 10-6, on Wednesday afternoon at Jack Coombs Field. The Blue Devils fall to 2-5 on the season while the Phoenix improve to 5-3.

Trailing 3-1 entering the top of the fifth, third baseman Adam Weaver hit a one-out single to right field to start the inning. Center fielder Ryan Addison then reached base on a fielder's choice and Weaver advanced to third on a throwing error by Duke third baseman Kyle Kreick. Second baseman Donny Jobe followed with an RBI-single through the left side, scoring Weaver and advancing Addison to second. Bennett then hit his three-run blast over the left field wall to give Elon a 5-3 lead.

The Blue Devils took an early 1-0 lead in the bottom half of the opening frame on a two-out solo home run by shortstop Brett Bartles. Duke then took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the second. Third baseman Jonathan Nicolla led off the inning with a double down the left field line. Catcher Matt Williams followed with an RBI-triple down the right field line, scoring Nicolla to give Duke a two-run advantage. Williams then scored on second baseman Adam Murray's sacrifice fly to right field.

Elon got on the board in the top of the third when first baseman Chris Vasami scored on a sacrifice fly by Addison.

Duke cut Elon's lead to 5-4 in the bottom of the fifth on a two-out homer by right fielder Tim Sherlock. Sherlock's solo shot, which sailed over the right field wall, was his second home run in as many days.

The Phoenix took a 9-4 lead by scoring four runs in the top half of the seventh inning. After Jobe drew a walk from Duke reliever Ryan Perry, Bennett laced an RBI-triple to right center. Bennett then scored on an RBI-single by catcher Grant Rembert. Designated hitter Robert Rodebaugh followed with an RBI-single to center field, scoring left fielder Chris Price from third. Rembert then scored from second base on a passed ball to close out the four-run seventh.

Elon would then score their final run of the game on a passed ball in the top of the eighth.

The Blue Devils managed to score two runs in the bottom of the ninth but it was not enough as the Phoenix held on for the 10-6 win. Williams led off the final inning with a single to right field. After Kreick lined out to center, Murray singled to right to advance Williams to third. Center fielder Jonathan Anderson then hit an RBI-single to second to score Williams. After left fielder Javier Socorro drew a walk to load the bases, Sherlock hit a sacrifice fly to left field, scoring Murray for Duke's final run of the game.

Elon starter Ryan Basham (2-0) picked up his second win against the Blue Devils this season, holding Duke to four runs on four hits in 7.0 innings of work. Duke starter Jimmy Saris (0-1) suffered his first loss of the year, allowing four earned runs on six hits in 6.0 innings pitched.

Williams led the Blue Devils on the day, going a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate with two runs scored and an RBI. Bartles and Sherlock both hit their second home runs of the season in the game. Anderson went 2-for-3 with an RBI while Murray was 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored. Nicolla also went 1-for-3 at the plate with a run scored.

“Our freshmen did some good things so I have a good feeling about that,” stated Duke Head Coach Sean McNally. “Matt Williams was really ready to hit. He went 4-for-4, took good swings and had a really good day. He's growing into his role as a catcher. Tim Sherlock hit a home run for the second straight game and this one he really drove the ball. We're getting our guys a lot of experience. Jimmy Saris had his best outing to date on the mound. After giving up the home run, he came back and pitched a scoreless sixth. It was a good outing for him.”

Bennett went 2-for-4 with four RBI and two runs scored to lead Elon at the plate. Weaver was 3-for-5 with a run scored while Jobe, Rembert and Vasami all collected two hits apiece for the Phoenix.

“I think it was a different type of game than what we have played before,” McNally said. “We jumped out early, got a lead and had some opportunities in the middle of the game to separate a little bit but we weren't able to do that. To Elon's credit, they chipped away (at the lead). They got a big hit to make it a 5-3 game and then in the seventh, they broke it open a little bit. I felt really good that we came out in the ninth and came pretty close to getting it down to one swing. We were one guy on base away from getting the tying run to the plate and that's what you try to do when you get down.”

Duke will host Radford for a three-game series over the weekend at Jack Coombs Field. Friday's first pitch is slated for 3 p.m. while Saturday and Sunday's games will start at 1 p.m.

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