WILMINGTON UPENDS DOMINICAN AT NCAA EAST REGION BASEBALL TOURNAMENT

WILMINGTON UPENDS DOMINICAN AT NCAA EAST REGION BASEBALL TOURNAMENT

RINDGE, NH (May 14, 2009) -- The sixth-seeded Wildcats of Wilmington University upset the top-seeded Chargers of Dominican College, 10-1 in the opening game at the NCAA East Region Baseball Tournament on Thursday afternoon at Pappas Field on the campus of Franklin Pierce University.   The win marks the first  NCAA regional victory in school history, for any program at Wilmington.

Freshman pitcher Mike Godwin got things started for Wilmington in the top of the second inning, as he led off the frame with a double to left center field.  Classmate Jordan Oncay followed with a RBI triple down the left field line, and later scored on a wild pitch, giving the ‘Cats the early 2-0 lead.

Dominican answered back in the bottom of the frame, as Marc Mortellaro plated Michael Munoz on a sacrifice fly to deep center field, cutting the lead to 2-1.  Wilmington would not rest though, and added three more runs in the top of the fourth.  Sophomore Matt Botting blasted a two-run home run to right field, scoring junior Phil Aviola, who was hit by a pitch.  Junior JT Gregory then hit a two-out solo shot of his own, making the score 5-1 in favor of the ‘Cats.

The Wildcats blew the game open with a five-run ninth inning.  After the first three batters reached base, Godwin plated one and reached on an error by the Dominican third baseman.  Oncay and Botting then each singled in a run, while freshman Kyle Hitchens, who pinch ran for Godwin, came home on a wild pitch.  Gregory closed out the damage for Wilmington with a RBI fielder's choice to give Wilmington a 10-1 lead that would hold on to be the final score.

Godwin (5-1) gave the ‘Cats a strong seven innings, and scattered six hits and allowed only one run while striking out five.  Tom Kahl (6-2) suffered the loss for Dominican as he gave up six runs (five earned) on nine hits while striking out five. 

Wilmington was led by Botting, who finished 3-for-5 with three RBI and a run scored.  Oncay was 2-for-5 with a pair of RBI and run scored, while senior Cody Holliday was 3-for-3 with a run scored and two stolen bases. Holliday also provided an assist from his outfield position.

Dominican was paced by Dan Robinson and Mario Lopez, who each went 2-for-3.  Freshman Alexi Colon, sophomore Michael Munoz, and junior Willie Mann each recorded singles for the Chargers.  

With the win, Wilmington improved to 28-27 overall, while Dominican dropped to 37-13 on the season.  The Wildcats return to East Regional Tournament action tomorrow afternoon, as they take on the loser of Dowling College and Adelphi University in a 4:00 PM contest.  Dominican will play an elimination game at 1:00 pm against either #2 Franklin Pierce.