Temple University Athletics
Seven-Run Seventh Dooms Temple In 12-2 Loss At Liberty
3.6.09 | Baseball
March 6, 2009
LYNCHBURG, VA - Liberty scored seven runs with two outs in the seventh inning to break open a close game and defeat visiting Temple, 12-2, on Friday night at Worthington Stadium. The Owls left the bases loaded in the top of the frame and the hosts took the momentum, turning a 4-2 ballgame into a nine-run lead. Sophomore Rafael Cordero had two hits in his first start of the season for TU.
The Flames (4-3) got on the board early with single runs in the first two innings to take a 2-0 lead off Temple starter Ben White. TU tied the score in the fourth as sophomore Byron McKoy launched his second home run of the season and senior Carmen Del Mastro reached on a bunt single and later scored on senior Mark Ortega's sacrifice fly.
Liberty regained the lead with two more runs in the fourth and Temple left a runner in scoring position in the fifth and sixth innings. The visitors had their best chance to tie the game or even take the lead when three straight singles by junior Tony Jusino, sophomore Ben Flanary and Cordero loaded the bases with one out.
But Temple was unable to capitalize and left the bases juiced and the score, 4-2.
With the bases loaded and two outs in the seventh, LU had five straight batters reach base, including four via hits, to score seven runs and break the game open. Tyler Bream had a bases clearing double to highlight the inning for the Flames.
The Cherry and White (2-3) was unable to reach base in its final two at-bats and dropped their second straight game to a Big South opponent.
White (0-1) suffered the loss after allowing four earned runs in five innings. Steven Evans (1-0) picked up the win for Liberty, giving up one earned run in 6.2 innings.
Matt Williams and Curran Redal each had four hits in the Flames' 18-hit attack.
The teams will meet on Saturday at noon for a doubleheader.
NOTES: This was the first meeting between the two schools and just the third game against a Big South opponent for Temple...Freshmen Taylor Juran, Foster Dunigan and Steve Visnic all made their first collegiate appearances for the Owls...Senior Sean Barksdale and Del Mastro have hit safely in all five games this season...Barksdale has hit safely in 21 of his last 22 games dating back to last season. Del Mastro has hit safely in 11 of his last 12...TU made a season-low one error defensively.
