Ellis, Erby Carry Marlins to Walk-Off Win

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Freshman Jordy Ellis tied the game with a triple before senior Taylor Erby's walk-off single lifted the Virginia Wesleyan College baseball team to a 5-4 victory over Ithaca College Saturday.

The Marlins started the scoring with a pair in the first as Justin Erby walked in front of a Taylor Erby hit by pitch. Randy Neisz doubled to left, chasing home the Erby twins for a 2-0 edge.

Taylor Erby doubled home Brandon Kussmaul in the bottom of the third to extend the Marlin lead to three runs.

Ithaca answered with a single run in the fourth before plating three runs to take a 4-3 lead in the top of the sixth.

Webb Little led off the frame with a hit by pitch before Trevor Thompson reached on an error. Sam Little doubled home the pair to tie the game, scoring as the go-ahead run on a double off the bat of Ryan Henchey.

The score remained 4-3 until the bottom of the ninth when Zack Clark reached on an error to lead off the frame. A sacrifice bunt moved the tying run into scoring position for Ellis.

Ellis fell behind 1-2 before working the count to 2-2. He laced the next pitch over the leftfielder's head, flying around the bases for a triple to tie the game at four. Ithaca intentionally walked Justin Erby and Kussmaul to set up a double play and a force out at home. Taylor Erby made the Bombers pay, singling to center to plate Ellis with the winning run.

Ithaca starter Jack Morello struck out nine Marlins over seven innings of work.

Taylor Erby finished 3-for-4 with a run and two RBI. Riley Koonce (1-0) picked up the win with a perfect inning in the ninth.

Virginia Wesleyan (3-4) and Ithaca (1-1) will play a rematch on Sunday with first pitch scheduled for 11 a.m.