February 15, 2002
FURMAN FALLS TO XAVIER 5-4 AFTER BLOWING NINTH INNING LEAD
Greenville, S.C.-- Mark Andres doubled off Rob Purvis in the top of the ninth, driving in three runs as Xavier came back to defeat Furman 5-4 Friday afternoon at Furman Baseball Stadium.
With Furman's third straight loss, the Paladins fall to 2-5 on the year, while Xavier improves to 2-0.
The Paladins got on the board in the third inning when Derek Norman doubled down the left field line scoring, Nick Wadja. Drew Latora followed with a double off Xavier starter Sean Finnegan allowing, Norman to cross the plate, giving Furman a 2-0 lead.
Furman extended its lead in the fourth inning when Wajda singled to center field scoring, Matt Gerber and later added a run in the seventh after Danny Rueckel singled to score Brad Cooper.
Xavier was held scoreless by Furman starter Tom Mastny until the eighth inning when the Mustakeers scored two off a wild pitch and an error.
In the ninth, Furman closer Rob Purvis (0-1) gave up two singles and a walk to begin the inning. With the bases loaded, Andres knocked a double into right field, clearing the bases to give Xavier a 5-4 lead.
Mike Gallagher (1-0) pitched a pefect eighth inning to pick up his first win of the season, while Kevin Cunningham threw a scoreless ninth to earn the save.
Furman takes on Xavier in game two of the series on Saturday afternoon. The first pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.