Pitching, timely hits give Chapman series-opening win

ORANGE, Calif. – The Chapman University baseball team defeated visiting Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 5-1 in a SCIAC matchup on Friday afternoon at Hart Park. Stellar pitching and some timely hits led to the victory for the Panthers in the first game of their three-game weekend series against the Stags.

Chapman (8-6, 7-3 SCIAC) was in control from the start. The Panthers jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second inning thanks to an RBI groundout and a suicide squeeze by sophomore C David Basen. Claremont (4-11, 2-8 SCIAC) answered back in the top of the third, following a walk and a single, junior DH John Rizzo stepped up and launched an RBI double to bring the Stags within one run, 2-1.

The Panthers scored a run in the bottom of the third and added two more in the bottom of the eighth on RBI doubles from sophomore DH Brandon Demerest and senior OF Connor Battaglia to cement the 5-1 victory.

Chapman RHP Braden Riddle was lights out on the bump for the Panthers tossing seven innings, allowing one earned run on seven hits. The sophomore struck out six and walked three on the afternoon. Senior RHP Kevin Osaki came on to pitch the final two frames for the Panthers. Osaki did not allow a run, striking out three and allowing just one hit for his first save of the year.

The CMS pitchers did not fare as well on the day. Senior P Chad Hadzinsky threw seven innings, allowing three earned runs on seven hits with three strikeouts.

Panthers' senior OF Andrew Carbajal went 3-for-5 with a double from the leadoff spot. Demerest was 1-for-2 with two RBI and a run scored.

The teams will face off again on Saturday in a doubleheader at Claremont starting at 11 a.m. Chapman's next home game is on Monday, March 10 against Kean (NJ) at 7 p.m.

Boxscore: http://www.chapmanathletics.com/sports/bsb/2013-14/boxscores/20140307_w6h7.xml

by Mitchell Eby
Sports Information Intern

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