April 19, 2007
Box Score
EASTON, Pa. - Lafayette scored its only two runs of the game in the second inning and received solid pitching efforts from Brian Cope and the bullpen in a 2-1 win over Columbia on Thursday in baseball action at the Class of 1978 Stadium.
The victory was Lafayette's fifth straight and improved the Leopards' record to 22-12. Lafayette has won 14 of its last 16 games.
The Leopards put two unearned runs on the scoreboard in the second. With two outs in the inning, James Conrad hit a shallow fly ball to center. The Columbia centerfielder, Noah Cooper, called off the infielders and tried to make the catch from deep in centerfield. Cooper got to the ball but dropped it. Daniel Bierce, who reached on a two-out walk and then stole second, scored on the play. Two batters later, Mike Raible, plated Conrad from third base for the 2-0 advantage.
Columbia (12-22-1) scored its only run of the game in the top of the next inning. With two outs and Thomas Stevens aboard at third, Jake Summerhays connected for a single to leftfield to cut the Lafayette lead to 2-1.
The Leopards threatened to add to their lead in the bottom of the eighth inning. With runners on second and third and two outs, Conrad ripped a ball back through the box off Columbia pitcher Chris Hunter. The Lions' second baseman Henry Perkins corralled it in time to catch Conrad at first to end the inning.
John Fugett was the fifth pitcher used on the afternoon by Lafayette head coach Joe Kinney, and the senior lefty retired Columbia in order in the ninth inning to pick up his third save of the season. Cope (3-1) earned the mound victory, throwing five innings while allowing one run on six hits with two strikeouts. Mike LeClerc-Spier, Tyler Chromey and Jason Morytko each threw an inning of scoreless relief. Daniel Bajger (1-7) took the loss, allowing two unearned runs on two hits in two innings of work.
The Leopards will return to action this weekend, hosting Lehigh in a four-game Patriot League series. The first pitch on both days is slated for noon.
NOTES:
Lafayette is ranked 18th in the nation in stolen bases per game (2.0) in the latest NCAA statistics (4/15). Leading the way is James Conrad who stole his 25th base of the season vs. Columbia. Conrad is ranked 15th in the nation in stolen bases.
