College Baseball

Campbell University 11, Rider University 4

BUIES CREEK, NC—Host Campbell collected 15 hits and Rider committed three errors in the 2015 season opener, as the Broncs lost to the Camels in the first game of the CU Invitational, held at Jim Perry Stadium.

Campbell (3-1) scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning on a pair of singles and a home run to take a 7-4 lead, and added four runs in the eighth on a two-out wild pitch, a bases loaded walk and a two-run single.

“You can't make three errors and walk (five) batters and hit (three) batters against a good team like Campbell,” said Rider head coach Barry Davis.

Rider (0-1) tied the score at 4-4 in the top of the seventh inning on a three-run double by senior Mike Parsons (Liverpool, NY). “Parsons had a big hit,” Davis said.

Senior Greg Fazio (Far Hills/Ridge) had two of Rider's five hits. “Fazio had a good day at the plate and made two outstanding plays in the field,” Davis said. Fazio started three years as a middle infielder but moved to the outfield this spring, playing right field Saturday.  “He made two big-time plays that saved multiple runs. He had a really good day.”

Campbell took a 2-0 lead in the first inning on two hits and two Rider errors and scored two more runs on four hits in the second inning for a 4-0 lead.

“The beginning of the game started off a little rough,” Davis said.  “We made an error on the third pitch of the game after we got the first batter out. The next inning they put some hits together and we were down four.”

Junior Jordan Leinweber (Castle Rock, CO/Douglas County) doubled for his first hit as a Bronc. All-MAAC senior first baseman Justin Thomas (Richboro, PA/Council Rock South) also singled

Rider senior Zach Mawson (Magnolia, DE/Caesar Rodney) pitched six innings and allowed three earned run. “Mawson settled down after the first two innings.” Davis said. “Three earned runs in six innings against a pretty good team, that's pretty good.”

The Broncs take on Virginia Tech (2-1) Sunday at 12 noon and Campbell at 3pm. Rider will also play Virginia Tech Monday at 12 noon.

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