April 29, 2009

Box Score

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Junior Dennis Sherba struck out a team season-high 10 batters while picking up his sixth win of the season on the mound en route to leading St. Bonaventure to a 4-2 victory over Niagara in the consolation game of the Big 4 Classic on Wednesday at Demske Sports Complex.

After giving up a run in the second inning, Sherba kept the Purple Eagles off the board until the ninth inning. The Binghamton, N.Y. native lasted eight and one-third innings, giving up just six hits and two walks. Sherba is now 6-1 on the season, tying him for sixth place in the Bona record books for wins in a season.

The Bonnies improve to 21-17 heading into this weekend crucial Atlantic 10 series at Massachusetts. First pitch of the three-game set is scheduled for Friday, April 30 at 3 p.m.

The third place finish marks the first time the Brown and White haven't finished first or second in the six-year history of the Big 4 Classic. The Bonnies are now 8-4 all-time in the tournament.

With the scored tied at 1-1 in the fifth, St. Bonaventure took the lead for good with a three runs. A bases loaded walk to Brad Steinbach made it 2-1 and gave the sophomore an RBI. Junior Kyle Gorby then rudely welcomed new pitcher Matt Jordan with an RBI single to make it 3-1 in favor of the Bonnies. Jordan then unleashed a wild pitch, scoring the last Bonaventure run of the inning for a 4-1 lead.

Sherba was in cruise control from the third inning through the eighth, allowing just two hits over that span. A leadoff error and a walk in the ninth left Sherba just two outs short of his second complete game in two weeks. Junior Cory Sudbrook entered the game with runners on the corners and one out. Sudbrook gave up an RBI single to the first batter, but settled down and recorded a strikeout and go the final out via a pop up.

The save was Sudbrook's first of the season and the second of his career. The Bradford, Pa. native's first career save came last season during his dad's 500th career victory against La Salle.

The offensive star of the game for the Brown and White was sophomore Jesse Bosnik, who went 3-for-4 for his team-high 13th multi-hit game. Bosnik also wreaked havoc on the base paths with two steals and two runs scored. Gorby and freshman Nick Brennen chipped in with two hits each.