Altamonte Springs, Fla., March 11, 2011 – Brandeis University broke open a tie game with four runs in the top of the seventh inning as the Judges posted a 5-2 win over the Washington University in St. Louis baseball team at the University Athletic Association (UAA) Championship on Friday night at Sanford Memorial Stadium in Sanford, Fla.

Washington U. jumped out in front in the third inning following a two-out RBI to left field from senior Matt Skinner. The Judges answered back with a run of their own in the top of the fourth after Chris Ferro scored on a double steal.

Brandeis (7-4, 2-1 UAA) scored four runs on five hits in the seventh to take a commanding 5-1 lead. Jon Chu gave the Judges a one-run lead following a one-one-out single up the middle. Senior pitcher Bryce Hrovat was pulled following the RBI from Chu, allowing seven hits and four earned runs in 6 1/3 innings pitched. He also threw 95 pitches as he picked up the loss for the Bears.

Chris Ferro greeted senior pitcher Adam Merzel with an RBI single, and then Tony Deshler double home two with a double to deep right field to make it 4-1. The Judges added another run in the seventh off Merzel following an RBI from Nick Cortese.

Washington U. scored its final run in the bottom of the eighth following an RBI double to right from senior Matt Bayer. The Bears would finish the contest with five hits, led by a 2-for-4 performance by senior Miguel Davis.

John McGrath (1-0) got the win for Brandeis, tossing 7 2/3 innings pitched allowing five hits and one earned run. McGrath also struck out four as he threw 124 pitches. Pat Nicholson picked up the save retiring the final three batters in the ninth. Sean O'Hare went 4-for-4 from the leadoff spot for the Judges.

Washington University (4-6, 1-1 UAA) continues conference play against the University of Rochester on Saturday, March 12, at Noon (ET).