College Baseball

Rider University 4, Virginia Tech 3

Campbell University 2, Rider University 1

BUIES CREEK, NC—The Broncs went 1-1 on Sunday in the CU Invitational, hosted by Campbell University at Jim Perry Stadium. “We didn't really hit the ball well all day,” said Rider head coach Barry Davis, “but we played good defense and we pitched well. We were in both games, which is all you can ask.”

Senior Greg Fazio (Far Hills/Ridge) and senior Justin Thomas (Richboro, PA/Council Rock South) each had three hits on the day. Junior Patrick Murphy (McHenry, Ill./McHenry) had two.

Fazio had two doubles and now has five hits on the season and 153 career hits.

In the win over Virginia Tech (3-2) junior James Locklear (Hamilton, NJ/Steinert) walked, stole second and scored the game-winning run on a two-out RBI single by All-MAAC first baseman Justin Thomas in the bottom of the eighth inning. “Big hit,” Davis said of Thomas' game-winner.  “That was a good win for us, beating an ACC team. We played well with a solid defense.”

Senior Eric Thomas (Dallastown, PA/Dallastown Area) pitched the ninth inning for the save, the fifth of his career.

Senior Kurt Sowa (Bensalem, PA/Fr. Judge) started and pitched six innings, allowing two runs on five hits and left the game with a 3-2 lead.”Kurt threw fine,” Davis said. “He was good. He threw very well in the sixth inning before we took him out after 98 pitches.”

Senior David Hafer (Pine Grove, PA) pitched the eighth inning and was credited with the win. “The bullpen was strong,” Davis said, “giving up just one unearned run in three innings of work.”

The Hokies tied the score at 3-3 in the eighth inning on a pair of singles and a Rider error.

Rider (1-2) took a 3-2 lead in the fourth inning on two wild pitches , two Tech errors, a passed ball and an RBI double by Fazio.

Va. Tech took a 2-1 lead with a solo home run in the third inning.

Junior Jordan Leinweber (Castle Rock, CO/Douglas County) hit a two-out RBI double in the first inning to give the Broncs a 1-0 lead.

Against Campbell (4-2), junior Lee Lipinski (Glen Arm, MD/Calvert) singled in the top of the fourth inning to cut the Campbell lead to 2-1.

The host Camels scored in the second and third innings to take a 2-0 lead.

Junior Vincenzo Aiello (Staten Island, NY/Tottenville) pitched seven innings for the Broncs. “Vinnie threw really well,” Davis said. “He had good velocity.”

Rider takes on Virginia Tech again tomorrow at 12 noon, the fourth and final game of the CU Invitational.

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