April 5, 2008

Box Score (Game 1) | Box Score (Game 2) 

CINCINNATI - The Xavier baseball team had 19 hits in both of its wins over Atlantic 10 rival Richmond Saturday as the Musketeers swept their A-10 home-opening doubleheader against the Spiders at Hayden Field. Junior Steve Brown was an amazing 9-for-10 at the plate over the two contests as XU won 14-3 and 14-5.

In the first game, Xavier (11-14, 6-2 A-10) had three big scoring innings as it put up four runs in the second, five in the third and four more in the eighth in addition to its one-run first inning. Brown Narrowly missed hitting for the cycle as he had two singles, a double and a home run.

Junior Charlie Leesman (1-3) tallied the win for XU as he struck out six while walking none over 7.2 innings of action. Senior Kyle Cowden relieved Leesman in the eighth, striking out one in 1.1 innings on the mound.

Matt Zielinski (2-1) took the loss for UR after giving up nine runs in 2.1 innings of work, striking out four Musketeer batters.

The second game was much like the first, although Richmond (12-17-1, 4-4 A-10) didn't score until the sixth inning. XU put up two runs in each of the first, third and sixth followed bt a seven-run seventh and a one-run eighth.

Sophomore Bobby Freking started off his day offensively with a two-run homer to center field in the first while junior Jordan Conley went 4-for-5 in the contest with four singles. Brown couldn't be stopped as he had a hit in every at-bat for three singles and two doubles.

Senior Michael Lucas (3-1) notched the win for the Musketeers as he struck out a career-high nine batters while walking four over 7.0 innings of work. Senior Mike Creevy and junior Joe Kohler each tossed an inning of relief.

Stephen Owens (2-1) took the loss for the Spiders, striking out only one and walking two over 5.2 innings pitched. He gave up six earned runs on nine hits.

Xavier returns to action Sunday to play the third game of the three-game series versus Richmond. First pitch is set for 12:00 p.m.