Box Score
NEWPORT NEWS, VA – The Christopher Newport University baseball team defeated Rowan University, 15-2 at Captains Park on Sunday.
Christopher Newport improves to 4-2 overall, while Rowan has a 1-2 record. Pitcher Ian Lenda (1-0) threw seven innings, allowing one earned run and striking out four batters. Left-hander Michael Cox (jr. Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill W.) tossed four innings, giving up four earned runs for the loss (0-1).
The Captains were led by third baseman Luke Saunders with four hits (four at bats), three doubles, two RBIs and two runs scored. Center fielder Connor Madden went four for five with three runs scored, one RBI and a double. Designated hitter Matt Shoemaker contributed with one hit (three at bats), five RBIs, two runs scored and a home run. Shortstop Parker Neal was two for three with two runs scored, one RBI and a double, while second baseman Shayne Kersey registered one hit (four at bats) and two runs. Left fielder Joey Martin added one hit in two trips to the plate, two RBIs and two runs scored. Outfielder Drue Vernon produced two hits (four at bats), one RBI and one run scored.
For Rowan, left fielder Scott Weaver (jr. Ledgewood, NJ/Roxbury) posted two hits (four at bats), one RBI, one run scored and a homer. First baseman Matt Johanson (sr. Sewell, NJ/Washington Twp.) was two for four with one run scored. Center fielder Matt Citro (jr. Bloomsbury, NJ/Phillipsburg) drove in one run.
In the bottom of the second inning, Saunders was hit by a pitch and moved to third on a double by Neal. Shortstop Michael Romett followed with a single that drove in Saunders. Shoemaker’s sacrifice fly to left field plated Neal to give the Captains a 2-0 lead. Madden singled to left field in the fourth and moved to second on Martin’s walk. Vernon had a RBI single that brought Madden home. Martin scored on a wild pitch for a 4-0 advantage.
The Profs got on the scoreboard in the top of the fifth inning. Johanson singled to right field and advanced to second on a walk by second baseman Brandon Winkler (so. Glendora, NJ/Paul VI). Johanson stole third and came home on a fielder’s choice with Citro at bat. The Captains answered with seven runs in the bottom half to go ahead, 11-1. Shoemaker hit a grand slam to left center field and Madden doubled in Kersey, who got on base on an error. Martin drove Madden home with a single to center field and Saunders’ double to right center plated Martin.
The Captains added two runs (13-1) in the seventh inning. Saunders doubled in Madden and Neal followed with a RBI single that brought Vernon home. Weaver hit a solo homer for the Profs in the top of the eighth. In the bottom half, Martin had a bases loaded walk that scored Shoemaker, while Kersey came home on a double play to end the scoring (15-2).
Rowan hosts Centenary College in a doubleheader on Saturday, February 27 starting at 11:30 a.m.
