University of Richmond Athletics
University of Richmond
at Liberty
Spiders Drop Last Non-Conference Game To Liberty, 10-2
05/17/2005 | Baseball
May 17, 2005
LYNCHBURG, Va. - The Spider baseball squad fell in its final non-conference contest of the season Tuesday, 10-2, to Liberty. The loss in Lynchburg, Va., dropped the team to 20-30 overall, while the Flames ran their record to 30-17.
Richmond opened with a run in the top half of first inning. Junior Andrew Justice doubled to score sophomore Anthony Sandstrom, who singled, for an early 1-0 advantage.
The Flames took a 2-1 lead in the second inning. With the bases loaded and no outs, Phil John plated the first Liberty run on a sacrifice fly. On the play, freshman Joe White's throw back to the infield sailed over the head of freshman shortstop Austin Reilly, allowing the second run of the inning to score and the Flames to take the lead.
In the fourth inning, Richmond knotted the score at 2-2. After walking to open the inning, freshman Joe Mahoney advanced to third on a sacrifice. The first baseman then scored as the Liberty catcher was unable to hold strike three and was forced to throw the batter out at first. Mahoney beat the return throw from first to the plate, tying the score.
The Flames scored three runs in the sixth inning. P.K. Keller singled to open the inning and stole second. Chad Miller beat out a bunt for a hit, moving Keller to third. After Miller stole second, Abe Yeakel broke the tie with a single to right driving in Keller. The Flames then loaded the bases as Patrick Gaillard walked and a batter later, Michael Justice, walked to force in a run. Yeakel then scored on a fielder's choice.
In the seventh inning, Liberty broke the game open with three more runs as the Flames took advantage of Richmond miscues. Miller tripled to left center with one out to get things started for the Flames. After a walk to Yeakel and a strikeout, a throwing error by sophomore Matt McKenna allowed one run score. Sandstrom then followed with a throwing error on Just's grounder, allowing two more to score. All three runs came with two outs. Liberty added two more in the eighth on Miller's second triple of the afternoon. This time with two men on, the third baseman tripled to left field to score both runners.
Flames' starter Ryan Page went four innings, allowing two runs on four hits. He was followed to the mound by Tim John who worked three scoreless and hitless innings, striking out four. David Bechtold finished with two innings of work, allowing one hit and striking out three. Junior John Richardson took the loss for the Spiders.
The Spiders will begin their final A-10 series of the season Thursday, May 19, in Dayton. Richmond and the Flyers will face off in a doubleheader at noon Thursday then wrap up the series with a single game Friday May 20, at noon.
Game Notes
- Liberty stole five bases against the Spiders marking the second time in seven games a Richmond opponent has swiped five or more bases.
- Junior Andrew Justice has recorded multi-hit games in each of the last two contests.
