May 1, 2004

Final Stats

ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. - St. Bonaventure swept Atlantic 10 rival Temple on Saturday afternoon at McGraw-Jennings Field. The Bonnies took Game 1, 3-2, and won the nightcap, 8-6.

In the opener, the Bonnies plated all three runs in the second inning, highlighted by a two-run double to center field from freshman left fielder Joe Rizzo. Rizzo drove in junior catcher Damian Blakeley and freshman first baseman Kieran Malone, who both singled earlier in the inning. Temple, which scored one run in the opening inning, threatened with one run in the third on a home run from Mike Weckenman, but the Bonnies held off for the win.

St. Bonaventure freshman reliever Brian Pellegrini earned his fifth save on the season, breaking the previous St. Bonaventure record.

Senior starter Soren Johnson got the win on the mound, improving to 1-2. Johnson allowed two runs on four hits, while striking out four in six innings of work. Temple's Tim Foulkrod took the loss, dropping to 3-5.

Rizzo and freshman third baseman Matt Mardeusz both went 2-for-3 on the day to lead St. Bonaventure.

In Game 2, both teams tallied two runs in the second inning, while the Bonnies took the lead in the third, scoring three runs on four hits. Although Temple threatened with a three-run fifth, the Bonnies tacked on one run in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings to come away with the victory. Pellegrini sealed the win with a home run over the left field fence in the sixth.

Pellegrini was also credited with the win on the mound, improving to 3-2 on the year. He allowed one hit and one run with two strikeouts in two innings of relief. Temple's Chris Kurtz took the loss, allowing 12 hits and eight runs in six innings.

Pellegrini led the Bonnies offensively, going 4-for-4 and scoring three runs. Sophomore designated hitter Matt Agostinelli went 3-for-4 with two runs, while Blakeley was 2-for-2.

With the pair of wins, the Bonnies improved to 18-17 on the year and 8-6 in A-10 play. Temple dropped to 17-18 and 6-8 in conference action.

The Bonnies host the series finale Sunday, May 2 at noon.