March 5, 2004

Box Score

BRADENTON, Fla. - Sophomore Zach Zuercher (Warwick, R.I./Pilgrim HS) struck out 11 in pitching a complete-game three-hit shutout to lead the University of Rhode Island baseball team to a 2-0 victory over Valapraiso on Friday.

Zuercher (1-1) had a one-hit shutout going into the ninth inning, having faced only two batters over the minimum. In the ninth inning, Zuercher allowed two singles and hit a batter to give Valpo the bases loaded with two outs, but the 6-3 lefthander got out of the jam to give the Rams (1-6) their first win of the season.

Zuercher finished the game with 11 strikeouts, walking only two and hitting one batter.

The Rams scored their only two runs in the top of the sixth inning. Senior Dan Batz (Mohnton, Pa.) ledoff with a double to left field and senior Matt Sullivan (Nashua, N.H.) moved Batz to third on a ground ball to the right side.

Junior Mike Rainville (Pawtucket, R.I./Bishop Hendricken) drew a walk and stole second base. The throw down to second went into center field, allowing Batz to score the game's first run. Sophomore Dan Tucker (Warwick, R.I./Pilgrim) followed with a RBI-single to plate Rainville.

Batz went 4-for-4 with a walk as he has hit safely in all six of his starts this season. Batz, who has already earned Atlantic 10 Player of the Week twice this season, is now hitting an Atlantic 10-leading .560 on the season through seven games. Redshirt sophomore Wayne Russo (Warwick, R.I./Toll Gate) added two hits for the Rams.

Rhode Island 2, Valapraiso 0
Rhode Island (1-6)        000 002 000 - 2 11 1
Valapraiso (0-7)          000 000 000 - 0  3 1
Zuercher and Tucker; Dibbs, Brauer (7) and Garrett.

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