WHITEWATER, Wis. - The third time proved to be the charm this season against Heidelberg University as the Bulldog baseball team defeated the Student Princes, 8-1, on Wednesday afternoon in the Midwest Regional hosted by UW-Whitewater. Adrian (31-13) had previously lost twice against Heidelberg back in March, but it was all Bulldogs when it matters the most.
Senior pitcher Brent Greenwood turned in a masterful performance going the distance allowing seven singles, one earned run and one walk while striking out six. He gave up a run in the third inning which tied the game at 1-1 and then the Bulldogs scored twice in the fourth and five more times in the fifth to create separation.
"I just wanted to come out and give my team a chance to win," said Greenwood who improved to 6-3 this season. "After I got a bunch of runs behind me, I just settled in and knew that throwing strikes and mixing pitches were going to work. It was a big win and I'm glad that I could play my part."
Freshman shortstop Ryan Dorow had an impressive NCAA Tournament debut reaching base in his first five at-bats with three singles and two walks. He delivered a two-run single to break the tie in the fourth and did it again with a single up the middle scoring two in the fifth.
"I felt really relaxed coming into the game and got a few good pitches to hit," said Dorow who increased his season batting average to .387 with his three-hit day. "I just had very little nerves and looked forward to playing in this game on this stage."
Steve Huber (4-1) took his first loss and lasted just 4.1 innings allowing 11 hits and eight earned runs with a walk and four strikeouts. The bottom third of the Adrian order came through with seven of the team's 14 hits. Sophomore Jeff Gertley hit seventh in the order as the designated hitter and set a new career-high with three hits including his second double of the season. Freshman catcher Dakota Cararo went 2-for-5 with two runs scored and a RBI. Corleone Desimone went 2-for-5 with two runs scored and his fourth double of the season.
Adrian improved to 4-2 against Heidelberg in NCAA Tournament action and will now face Concordia Chicago tomorrow at 6 p.m. central time in a rematch of a game from the Central Regional last year which was won by the Cougars 3-2 at Augustana (Ill.). It will be just the second meeting between the schools.