March 06, 2010

 BULLDOGS DEFEATED BY DAVIDSON, 4-2, IN NIGHTCAP SATURDAY

Boxscore

SMITHFIELD, RI - The Davidson Wildcats jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the second inning and never looked back as they went on to defeat the Bryant University baseball team, 4-2, on Saturday night in the second game of the day for the Bulldogs.

Bryant is still in search of its first win of the 2010 season as they fall to 0-5. With the win, Davidson improves to 8-4.

The Davidson pitching staff held the Bulldogs to only four hits. Senior catcher Jeff Vigurs (South Windsor, Conn.) went 2-4 with two singles. Senior outfielder Nick Campbell (Raynham, Mass.) and freshman shortstop Kevin Brown (Northborough, Mass.) each added a hit for the Black and Gold.

The Wildcats (8-4) outhit the Bulldogs 11-4. Ian Horkley picked up the win for Davidson while Bryant's John Michael Ryan (Worcester, Mass.) took the loss. Ryan threw five innings allowed four earned runs and struck out three while freshman relief pitcher Peter Kelich (Jackson, N.J.) threw three innings allowed three hits and struck out five.

Davidson opened the scoring in the bottom of the second inning as left fielder Jake Berman started the rally with a single to left field. After a fielder's choice advanced Berman to second, Michael Zeblo doubled to right field to plate Berman for the first run of the game. Leadoff batter Sam Payne followed Zeblo with a double of his own to score Zeblo and Freeman, who reached base on the fielder's choice. Payne's double gave the Wildcats a 3-0 lead with only one out in the bottom of the inning. Payne stole third and plated the final run of the inning on a James Cerbie single to take the early 4-0 lead after two innings of play.

The Bulldogs got on the board in the top of the sixth inning with some help from the Wildcats. Sophomore designated hitter Mike DelPonte (Tewskbury, Mass.) led off the inning and reached base on a fielding error by Davidson pitcher Ian Horkley. Horkley continued to help the Bulldogs by throwing a wild pitch, advancing DelPonte to second and then hitting sophomore David Soltis (Plainville, Conn.). Soltis and DelPonte both advanced on a wild pitch against Bryant second baseman Dylan Stone (Portsmouth, R.I.). Stone proceeded to ground out to second base but advanced Soltis to third and picked up an RBI as he plated DelPonte for the first Bulldog run of the night. Campbell grounded out to shortstop in the next at bat but picked up the RBI as Soltis came across the plate to make it 4-2 in the top of the sixth. Vigurs ended the inning with a groundout to second base.

After holding the Wildcats scoreless in the bottom half of the sixth, the Bulldogs loaded the bases with two outs in the top of the seventh. However, following a Davidson pitching change, Soltis grounded out to the pitcher to end the Bryant threat.

With the score remaining 4-2 heading into the top of the ninth inning, the Davidson Wildcats brought in their closer Andy Bass. Bass was able to close out the action on the night with one strike out, a groundout and a fly out to seal the victory for the Wildcats.

The Bulldogs return to action against the Wildcats again tomorrow at 1 p.m.