MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – The Neumann University Baseball team rocketed to a 22-7 victory over Elmira College in a non-conference match-up on Wednesday evening.
Donovan Brooks had a big game, going 3 for 5 with two doubles, a walk, a hit by pitch, five stolen bases, and five runs scored.
Anthony Rakotz went 4 for 6 with a walk, a stolen base, three runs batted in, and four runs scored.
Tyler Kilmer also contributed with a 3 for 6 game, with a double, a steal, four RBI, and a run.
Gatlin Hovenstine picked up the win in relief, giving up two runs on four hits and three walks while striking out three.
Neumann thrusted ahead in the top of the first inning with six runs. Rakotz hit an RBI single,
Andrew Brown walked with the bases loaded, Jerval Shuler was then hit by a pitch. Kilmer followed with a two-run single, and Shuler scored on a passed ball. In the bottom of the inning, Elmira got on the board with a two-run single, capping off a high-scoring first inning.
The Soaring Eagles pulled within one in the third with a two-run single, but the Knights were able to extend their edge over the next few innings. In the fourth, with the bases loaded,
Brandon Colon hit a two-run single with a third run coming in on an error for a 9-5 lead. In the fifth, Brooks scored on a delayed double steal, as he scored from third.
In the top of the next inning, B. Colon drove in another run on a fielder's choice, but Elmira got it back in the bottom of the frame with an RBI double. The scoring continued in the seventh when Brooks, who was stealing third, scored on an error and Brown drove in two more with a double into right.
The Soaring Eagles got a run back after the stretch on a bases loaded walk, but Neumann again added on in the ninth. Rakotz hit an RBI single,
Joe Boccio drove in a run on a sacrifice fly, Rakotz scored on a passed ball, Kilmer drove in a couple with a double, Kilmer and Shuler scored on an error, and Rakotz plated one with a single as the Knights sent 13 men to the plate.
Neumann (2-1) continues their season-opening trip on Thursday afternoon when they take on New England College at 3:00 PM.
