Oct. 27, 2011
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By Eric DeSalvo
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Trailing by as many as three runs in Game 2 of the Black and Gold World Series, the Black team never faltered, rallying for a three-run eighth inning to top the Gold team, 5-4, Thursday afternoon from the baseball complex. Game 3 will begin under the lights Friday night with first pitch at 6:30 p.m.
Taking a 2-0 series edge, the Black team must win tomorrow night, or lose by no more than four runs, to claim the World Series crown.
Thursday's game for the Black featured more timely hitting from rookie batters as Tommy Williams went 2-3 with a double and Chase Darhower added to his RBI total for the (three) with an eighth-inning single to drive in senior Alex Friedrich.
Second-year infielder Spencer Haynes also stepped up for the Black, getting on base in all three plate appearances and scoring two runs. Senior D.J. Hicks continued his assault on the baseball, drilling two singles and eventually scoring two for the home team.
Sophomore Gold starter Ben Lively held the Black bats at bay for his three innings of work, not allowing a hit and striking out five. Trailing 3-0 in the bottom of the seventh, the Black squad loaded the bases on freshman Harrison Hukari, and proceeded to get two runs back after junior Roman Madrid would spell the rookie. After a Ryan Breen groundout scored senior Travis Shreve, the Black found themselves down 4-2 heading into the bottom half of the eighth.
With their backs against the wall, the squad turned in quality at bats and clutch hits, including RBI singles by Friedrich and Darhower. Freshman Garrett Nuss came into the game with one out away in the top of the ninth to convert his second save in as many tries.
Friday night's prime time affair promises to offer a great night at the ball park for all fans in attendance. Admission is free to all as head coach Terry Rooney hopes to pack the park for an exciting end to the Black and Gold World Series.