MARCH 17, 2010

KING'S BASEBALL TEAM DROPS 15-13 SLUGFEST TO LEBANON VALLEY

WILKES-BARRE --  The King's College baseball team opened up an early, fell behind by a large margin, then nearly rallied over the final two innings before dropping a 15-13 slugfest to Lebanon Valley in the Monarchs;' home opener Wednesday at Lipo Field in the Betzler Athletic Complex.

With the loss, King's slipped to 3-2 while Lebanon Valley improved to 6-3.

The Monarchs built leads of 3-1 and 4-3 over the first three innings, only to see Lebanon Valley score six runs in the fourth inning, four in the sixth, and two more in the seventh to take a 15-6 lead.

In the eighth inning, King's used a two-run double form Matt Unger and an RBI ground out from Eric Matula to cut the lead to 15-9. In the bottom of the ninth, King's Joey Troxell and Jim Troianiello drew back-to-back walks before Mike Fignar loaded the bases with a single. After Mike Kusters drew a walk to force in a run, Chris Sweeney stroked a two-run single down the left field line to bring the Monarchs to within 15-12.  After an infield out, Kusters scored from third on a Lebanon Valley error to cut the Flying Dutchmen lead to 15-13 with two outs. With two runners on and the winning run at the plate, Matula would strike out to end the game as the King's rally fell short.

King's outhit Lebanon Valley 16-13 on the day, led by freshman Chris Sweeney who was 4-for-5 with three RBI and two doubles. Mike Fignar was 3-for-5 with two runs scored while Matt Unger finished 2-for-4 with four RBI two runs, and a triple. Matula chipped in with two hits and two RBI for the Monarchs.

Lebanon Valley was paced by Grant Weist who was 4-for-6 with eight RBI and two doubles.

Joe Norbad took the loss in relief for King's while Lebanon Valley starter Caleb Fick picked off the victory. Jake Becker registered the save for the Dutchmen.

King's returns to action Friday with a 3:30 p.m. home matchup against Misericordia University at Lipo Field.