Baseball blows past Mercyhurst, 17-2; Sudbrook records win #400
March 1, 2005
BOCA RATON, Fla. - St. Bonaventure moved to 2-0 on the baseball season and gave head coach Larry Sudbrook another milestone in his career with a 17-2 win over Mercyhurst College on Tuesday afternoon at McCusker Sportsplex.
The victory was the 400th of Sudbrook's career, all at St. Bonaventure. Sudbrook is now 400-398-7 in his 20th season as a head coach.
The Bonnies scored three times in the first inning, once in the second and seven times in the third inning to open an 11-1 lead.
St. Bonaventure totaled 18 hits as every starter had at least one hit. Sophomore shortstop Matt Mardeusz led the way with three hits in five at-bats. Sophomore first baseman Joe Rizzo finished 2-4 with a home run, a game-high four RBI and three runs scored. Sophomore right fielder Brian Pellegrini went 2-3 with a home run, two RBI and three runs. Senior catcher Damian Blakeley, junior left fielder Dan Bratys and senior second baseman Craig King each recorded a pair of hits.
Sophomore lefty Michael Proctor allowed only two Laker hits and one run over six innings to record the win on the mound.
Mercyhurst, an NCAA Division II school located in Erie, Pa., is now 2-4.
"Obviously we swang the bats well and got good pitching," said St. Bonaventure coach Larry Sudbrook. "But I was most happy with our defense. We rolled three double plays and made some outstanding plays."
The Bonnies will play Lewis (Ill.) College on Wednesday at 11 a.m.
