Memphis, Tenn., Feb. 22, 2013 – The Washington University in St. Louis baseball team recorded 12 hits in its first game of 2013, but suffered a 16-7 loss at Rhodes College in the season-opener Friday afternoon.
Washington U. grabbed the lead in the top of the first inning when sophomore shortstop Andrew Goldstick singled and stole second before an RBI double to right field by sophomore third baseman Chris Lowery gave the Bears their first run of the year. Washington U. got a pair of two-out walks later in the inning, but left the bases loaded to take a 1-0 lead. Rhodes answered with three runs on a pair of hits in the bottom of the inning to take a 3-1 lead after the first. The Lynx added two more runs in the bottom of the third to extend their lead to 5-1.
In the top of the fourth, senior outfielder Alan Komorowski drew a leadoff walk, and moved to third on a single by senior catcher David Madson. Senior outfielder Matthew Polites reached on a fielder's choice that scored Komorowski. Polites advanced to second on a passed ball and third on a single by sophomore second baseman Noah Doppelt, before junior outfielder Kyle Billig got his second hit of the game, an RBI single to bring the Bears to within 5-3. Goldstick reached on a fielder's choice, and stole second, before Lowery hit a two-out single to score Doppelt and make it 5-4.
Rhodes added another run in the bottom of the fifth inning to regain a two-run lead (6-4). In the bottom of the sixth, the Lynx strung together five-straight two-out hits to score four runs and make the score 10-4. Rhodes broke the game open in the bottom of the seventh with six runs, five of them earned, to extend their lead to 16-4.
Lowery led off the ninth inning with a single to left field, and freshman infielder Kyle Kozak followed with a pinch-hit single. Sophomore infielder Brian Cizek, also pinch hitting, doubled to right field to drive in Lowery and move Kozak to third. After Madson drew a one-out walk, senior infielder Greg Gleicher reached on a fielder's choice that scored Kozak. A passed ball after a strikeout and an error kept the inning alive for Washington U. and allowed Cizek to score to make it 16-7 before the Lynx were able to get the final out.
Lowery (3-for-5, 2 RBI, run) and Billig (3-for-6, RBI) led the way offensively for Washington U., who had seven different players record hits in the game. Polites, Cizek and Gleicher accounted for the Bears' other three RBIs. Washington U. left 13 baserunners stranded in the game.
Senior pitcher Taylor Berman (0-1) took the loss on the mound for Washington U., allowing six runs on seven hits, while striking out three, in five innings of work. Senior pitcher Ryan Furtick replaced Berman in the sixth inning and got the first two batters he faced out before surrendering four runs on four-straight two-out hits. Sophomore pitcher Dom Quaranta gave up four earned runs on three hits in one-third of an inning, while junior pitcher Matt Kenahan threw the final two innings for the Bears. Kenahan allowed two runs - one earned - on one hit, while recording three strikeouts.
Washington U. dropped to 0-1 on the season, while Rhodes improved its record to 4-3. The Bears continue opening-weekend action with a pair of games Saturday, Feb. 23, in Memphis. Washington U. is scheduled to face No. 10 Webster University at 11 a.m., followed by a rematch against Rhodes at 2 p.m.
Bear Notebook: Washington U. dropped to 21-8 in season openers since 1985 … The Bears are 2-11 against Rhodes since 1985 … Goldstick extended his hitting streak to seven games, dating April 26, 2012, at DePauw University … It was Billig's 33rd multiple-hit game in his career … Berman made his 18th career start on his 22nd birthday.