EMORY, Va. — Joe Whitaker hit a two-run home run in the tenth inning as the Belmont Abbey baseball team opened up a busy week of games with a 13-11 victory in 10 innings Tuesday afternoon at Porterfield-DeVault Field.
Whitaker's home run was the 15th hit of the day for Belmont Abbey, who jumped out to an early lead and overcame a late rally from the Wasps to earn the victory. It was also his second home run in the last three games for the Crusaders.
Belmont Abbey improved to 17-10 following Tuesday's contest. Emory & Henry is now 7-20.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Crusaders jumped out to a fast start with a 3-0 lead thanks to a two-run double from Caleb Burr followed by another RBI double from Todd Velotta two batters later.
- After an E&H run In the second, it was Burr and Velotta again who drove in runs in the inning. Velotta later scored on a throwing error by the Wasps.
- The Crusaders added two more runs in the fourth thanks to an RBI single from Matthew Fattore. He later scored on a sacrifice fly from Connor Tucker to make it 8-1 for the Abbey.
- Emory & Henry got back within a run at 8-7 thanks to three-run frames in the fourth and fifth innings.
- Belmont Abbey answered with a pair of home runs in the seventh inning: a two-run homer from Jackson Risk and a solo shot from Carter DuHaime to make it 11-7.
- The Wasps rallied again with three runs in the eighth and scored on a bases-loaded walk in the ninth.
- Jack Boyles set the table in the tenth inning with a lead-off double before Whitaker's go-ahead home run to center field.
- Thomas Paxton retired the Wasps in order in the bottom of the inning to earn his second win of the season.
- Velotta had a three-hit day for the Abbey while four other Crusaders finished with a two-hit day.
- Jacob Larkins struck out a season-high four batters in relief for Belmont Abbey.
UP NEXT
- Belmont Abbey continues a busy week with another midweek contest against Augusta Wednesday.
- First pitch is scheduled for a 6 p.m. start at Abbey Yard.
