Methodist Blows Out Baseball

No. 1 Monarchs Win 18-4  

For More Information Contact: Scott Musa, 540.665.5417

DANVILLE, Va. – The Methodist College Monarchs used a nine run first inning Thursday afternoon to key an 18-4 victory over Shenandoah in the first round of the Dixie Conference baseball tournament at Dan Daniel Park in Danville.

Methodist, the No. 1 ranked team in the nation and the tournament’s No. 2 seed, jumped all over SU starter Seth Foster (Alexandria, Va./Hayfield) in the first inning of the quarterfinal round contest. The Monarchs (32-4-1) chased Foster after just two-thirds of an inning by scoring the nine runs (all earned) on seven hits and three walks. Freshman Mike McVearry (Bowie, Md./South River ) finally got SU (11-25) out of the jam by inducing a flyout from catcher Jesus Adames, the 13^th batter to come to plate in the frame.

On the bright side, eight of nine Shenandoah starters reached base safely as the Hornets banged out 14 hits. Junior Rodney Wooden (Baltimore, Md./Woodlawn) led the offensive output with a 3 for 5 contest while Chris Zaia (Macungie, Pa./Emmaus), Jafar Alexander (San Jose, Calif./Wilcox), Tyler Daniel (Richmond, Va./JR Tucker) and Dusty Crostic (Chesterfield, Va./LC Bird) all had two hits.

A complete box score and play by play can be found at http://www.su.edu/athletics/bb/2002/041902.htm

Shenandoah will now face the loser of the No. 3 Christopher Newport vs. No. 6 NC Wesleyan game on Friday at 1:15 . This is an elimination contest.

Shenandoah University offers 16 intercollegiate sports, eight for men and eight for women. For further information, please contact the Office of Athletic Communications at 540-665-5417 or visit our web site at http://www.su.edu/athletics. For Dixie Conference Information, please visit the Dixie Conference home page: http://www.dixieconference.com.

Shenandoah University is a comprehensive Level V private university with an enrollment of approximately 2,500 students in five schools: School of Arts & Sciences, Harry F. Byrd Jr. School of Business, Shenandoah Conservatory, Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy and the School of Health Professions (Athletic Training, Nursing, Physician Assistant, Respiratory Care, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy). The University offers more than 60 programs of study at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels.