For Immediate Release
March 2, 2000
Contact: Cris Belvin, Stetson University
DeLAND -- Jeff Christy's two-out, 9th inning single scored Mike Fellman and propelled Stetson to a 2-1 win over Eastern Kentucky Thursday at Melching Field at Conrad Park.
Lenny DiNardo (4-1) hurled his first complete game of the season, striking out nine and not walking a batter. He allowed one unearned run and surrendered just four hits. Mike Martini (0-1) suffered the loss in relief of Chip Albright, who kept the Hatters in check through 7.2 innings, allowing just one unearned run and six hits while striking out five.
Stetson (11-3) trailed 1-0 entering the bottom of the eighth. Pinch hitter Lee Bagley, hitting in place of shortstop Rusty Beale, started a rally with a one-out single. Christy then singled to right field, moving Bagley to second. After an out by Josh Laws, the Hatters loaded the bases when Frank Corr reached on an error by third baseman Jason Sharp. Martini then relieved Albright and walked first baseman Brooks Stephens on four pitches to tie the game at one.
After DiNardo retired the Colonels (2-5) in order in the top of the ninth, the Hatters caught a break in the bottom of the inning. With two outs, Fellman reached base after striking out on a pitch in the dirt and then knocking the ball away from catcher Mike Schneider while running to first. Bagley, who entered the game at third, singled to right field, advancing Fellman to third and setting the stage for Christy, who lined the first pitch from Martini through the hole on the left side.
The Hatters and Colonels meet again at 7:00 p.m., Friday and wrap up their three game series Saturday at 2:00 p.m.
-SU-