May 16, 2008

Final Stats

RICHMOND, Va. - With an Atlantic 10 postseason berth already in hand, the St. Bonaventure baseball team took another step in improving its chances for a better seed at next week's tournament as it took game two against Richmond, 14-6, on Friday afternoon at Pitt Field.

With the victory, the Bonnies bumped their win total to 29 on the season, just one win shy of tying the program record (30) set in 2002. The Brown and White (29-21, 15-11) could move up to as high as fourth in the A-10 standings by the end of Saturday, but would need losses by both Temple and Rhode Island.

The story of the game was the potent St. Bonaventure lineup as it pounded out 10 or more hits for the seventh time in eight games. The Bona bats produced a conference-high 19 hits on the day that lead to at least one run in seven of the team's nine plate appearances.

Eight of the team's nine starters finished with at least one hit, led by junior Brandon Salerno's season-high four hit afternoon. Batting in the seven spot, Salerno capped the 2-7 batters in the lineup that went a combined 16-for-28 at the dish. Senior Josh Sova and Kevin Suminski each contributed three hits to the cause, including home runs in the sixth and seven innings, respectively. Sova's two-run shot came in the sixth as he finished with four RBI. Suminski's third round-tripper of the season came the following and was also of the two-run variety.

The Bonnies provided senior starter Cody Vincent with major run-support in his few innings of work. Vincent tossed just five innings in his final tune-up before the Atlantic 10 Tournament, striking out five while allowing just one run. Vincent left the game with an 8-1 lead, allowing him to pick up his sixth win of the season.

The usual game three starter, senior Michael Proctor was able to work three innings to get another day of rest heading into postseason. Both runs against Proctor were unearned.

St. Bonaventure left little doubt about the outcome as it plated runs in six of the first seven innings and took a commanding 12-1 leading heading into the eighth inning.

Freshman Jesse Bosnik continued his hit parade with a 2-for-5 day at the dish that included two runs scored and his 12th double of the season. Senior T.J. Pennino and sophomore designated hitter Anthony Randich also contributed two hits.

The final game of the series is set for Saturday at noon. A win and a pair of losses by Rhode Island in its series against Charlotte would move the Bonnies up one spot in the standings. The Brown and White can also move past Temple with a win and an Owl loss against Saint Louis or a pair of TU losses against the Billikens.