Sunday, March 04, 2007

Longwood scored in four different innings to take the series finale from Valparaiso 7-1 on Sunday afternoon in Farmville, Va.

The Lancers jumped on top in the third scoring on a fielder's choice and added a pair of runs in the fifth, one unearned, on a sacrifice fly and a balk.

Tyler Ames added a two-run bases loaded single in the sixth followed by a fielder's choice to make it 6-0. Longwood added its final run in the eighth following three walks and a sacrifice fly.

Valpo got on the scoreboard in the top of the ninth plating an unearned run. Zach Rodeghero (New Lenox, Ill./Providence Catholic H.S.) scored on a bases loaded walk issued to Jeff Rickert (Hamilton, Ohio/Fairfield H.S.).

Nick Mazzone (Carol Stream, Ill./Glenbard North H.S.) (0-1) started and took the loss for the Crusaders, pitching five innings allowing six hits and three runs, two of which were earned. The left-hander also struck out five. He was followed on the mound by six others.

John Farrel (3-2) earned the win for Longwood (10-6), working 5.1 innings of four-hit baseball, striking out seven without allowing a run.

Valparaiso (1-2) will return to the diamond on Tuesday afternoon as the Crusaders battle IPFW in Bradenton, Fla. First pitch is slated for 12:30 p.m. CST.