May 18, 2007

Box Score

ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. - St. Bonaventure clinched a berth in the Atlantic 10 Baseball Tournament with a 7-5 win over Temple on Friday afternoon at Handler Park.

It is the Bonnies' second A-10 Tournament appearance in a row and third in four seasons. The top six out of the conference's 14 teams qualify for the tournament. The A-10 Tournament will begin next Wednesday, May 23, at Fifth Third Park in Dayton, Ohio.

Friday, senior first baseman Brian Pellegrini went 4-4 with four RBI to lead the Bonnies' victory. Pellegrini's day included another school record. His three-run home run in the third inning was his 15th of the season, breaking the school record of 14 established by Mike Rapacioli in 2001.

Pellegrini is now batting .392 with 51 RBI in 44 games.

Temple scored three times in the top of the third inning to open a 3-0 lead, only to have the Bonnies tie the game on Pellegrini's homer.

St. Bonaventure took the lead for good with two runs in the bottom of the fifth against Temple starter Arshwin Asjes. Pellegrini led off with a double and senior left fielder Joe Rizzo worked a walk. Following a sacrifice bunt by senior designated hitter Matt Mardeusz, senior third baseman Kieran Malone singled in both Pellegrini and Rizzo.

The Bonnies plated single runs in both the sixth and seventh innings to provide some breathing room.

Junior southpaw Cody Vincent went the distance for St. Bonaventure to earn his fifth win (5-7) of the year.

The final game of the series will start at noon on Saturday at Handler Park. Following the game, St. Bonaventure will honor its nine seniors who will take their ceremonial last lap around the bases.