FURMAN ROUTS WILLIAM AND MARY 15-5 IN
THURSDAY BASEBALL ACTION
Greenville, S.C.--Furman's Drew Latora and Nick Wajda both drove in four runs each as Furman pounded William and Mary 15-5 in baseball action Thursday afternoon at Furman Baseball Stadium.
With the win, the Paladins improve to 6-8 on the season, while the Tribe fall to 9-7. Furman began the scoring in the first when Derek Norman tripled to center field to plate Nick Wajda. In the second, the Paladins continued to score as Wadja doubled to center field to drive in Clint Hill, Brandon Barrett, and Cole Hubka, chasing Tribe starter Chris Shaver (1-1) from the mound.
Furman added to its lead in the fifth, scoring five runs off five hits. Ryan Presnell led-off the inning with a single up the middle and later scored on a Danny Rueckel double. Cole Hubka followed with a single to plate Rueckel. Nick Wajda continued the offensive assult by reaching on an error, driving in Brandon Barrett and Hubka. Derek Norman concluded the scoring in the inning with a single to left field to give the Paladins a 10-0 lead.
William and Mary got on the board in the fourth when John Lentz grounded out to plate Tim Jones and later added a run in the fifth on a Marshall Hubbard double to center field.
Furman, however, continued to score in the sixth inning as Derek Norman walked in a run and Drew Latora singled to left field, scoring Wajda and Richie Dean to extend their lead to 14-2. The Paladins capped the scoring with a Dominic Frankey home run in the bottom of the eighth inning.
William and Mary tried to rally in the ninth, scoring three runs in the frame before Furman closer Rob Purvis shut down the Tribe.
For Furman, Nick Wajda went 1-for-4 with four RBI and four runs scored. Drew Latora went 2-for-3 with four runs scored, and Derek Norman had two triples and three RBI as well to help led the Paladins.
Danny Rueckel (2-2) pitched three innings, allowing only three hits and no runs to pick up the win.
William and Mary travels back to Williamsburg to face Coastal Carolina on Saturday in a 1:00 p.m. game. Furman opens their conference season on Saturday against Appalachian State in a double header. The first pitch is slated for 2:00 p.m.