May 30, 2003

Final Stats

Wilson, N.C. - WCU starting pitcher Ryan Basner was impressive through six, but Virginia Commonwealth pitchers Justin Orenduff and Brian Marshall combined for a one-hit shutout as the second-seeded Rams, ranked 19th nationally, handed the third-seeded Catamounts a 6-0 loss in the first round of the 2003 NCAA Baseball Regional, played at Fleming Stadium.

Basner (8-3) took the loss, despite walking just one and striking out seven. However, he allowed two runs on six hits before leaving the game with a blister on his pitching hand. Orenduff (9-3) pitched six innings before leaving the game in the top of the seventh with a 2-0 lead. Orenduff exited after walking Alan Beck and falling behind Todd Buchanan 1-0. Brian Marshall came on and hit Buchanan to put runners on first and second. Rod Goldston tried to move the runners up, but popped up a bunt attempt. The Rams got out of the inning when Denver Edick struck out and Beck was caught stealing on the play.

In the bottom of the seventh, Virginia Commonwealth road the momentum after the double play and padded its advantage with four runs, making the score 6-0. After back-to-back, two-out walks, Anthony Granato delivered a double to plate Latura. The Cats intentionally walked Danny Lopaze to load the bases and Nick Jones followed with a two-run single. Parrish then executed a perfect hit and run. With Jones running on the play and WCU shortstop Wayne Kilmer covering second, Parrish guided a single through the left side to score Lopaze.

The Rams took an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second. With two outs, VCU catcher Jeff Parrish lifted a 2-2 pitch down the left field line for a home run. The run ended a streak of 18.0 innings of scoreless baseball for Basner.

The Rams added a run in the bottom of the third to make the score 2-0. Jose Papon had a leadoff double, advanced to third on sacrifice bunt and scored on a Eric Latura RBI groundout.

Orenduff allowed the Cats only hit, walked one and struck out seven. Marshall, who pitched the final three innings, did not allow a hit or a run, while fanning four. Parrish led the way for the Rams offensively, going 3-for-4 with two RBI. Granato added two hits and Jones contributed two RBI.

For the Cats, Matt Nelson provided the only hit of the day with a double to left. Edick nearly changed the complexion of the game in the third. On back-to-back pitches, he just missed as home run and double with both balls landing just foul.

Western Carolina will return to action Saturday morning, facing the loser of the North Carolina State-Le Moyne game, which was played Friday night. First pitch is set for 11 am. If the Cats were to win the morning contest, they would play Saturday night at 7 pm.