The University of Dallas Crusaders (25-11) completed a two game sweep of the Trinity University Tigers (29-10) in dramatic fashion Sunday afternoon with a 4-3 walk off victory in the 10th inning.
Junior Michael Byers was brilliant in the start as he shut out the Tigers for 7 innings. Byers surrendered only 5 hits as he kept the Tigers hitters off balance all day. The Crusaders broke a scoreless tie in the 5th inning with a solo home run from freshman Andrew Bossert. Bossert’s home run just cleared the fence despite strong winds blowing in from centerfield.
Senior catcher Delano Ponce got things going for the Crusaders in the 6th inning as he reached on an error by the Trinity shortstop. Freshman second baseman Mark Carlson then ripped a single through the left side of the infield to advance Ponce to second base. With two outs, junior Brian Shelburne smashed a single to centerfield, bringing in Ponce.
The Crusaders held this 2-0 advantage until the top of the 8th inning. Junior Michael Schweiss replaced Byers to begin the 8th inning. After a double steal, Schweiss surrendered a 2 RBI single on which centerfielder Brian Shelburne nearly gunned down a runner at the plate. Both runs scored with two outs and Schweiss promptly induced a ground out to end the inning.
Dallas was held scoreless in the 9th inning despite a leadoff single by Shelburne. After a strikeout, Shelburne was picked off first base and the Crusaders failed to bring home the game-winning run.
Things fell apart quickly for Dallas in the 10th inning. After a leadoff groundout, Schweiss surrendered a double and the preceding batter reached on an error. With baserunners on first and second, Schweiss induced a fly out to right fielder Adam Farris. This allowed Early to advance to third base while Robusto remained at first base. On Robusto’s steal attempt to second base, Ponce tried to catch Early napping off third base. Ponce’s throw was poor and Early came home to score the go ahead run for the Tigers. Schweiss struck out the batter Pappas swinging to end the inning, but the Crusaders trailed 3-2 heading into the bottom of the 9th inning.
After a groundout, senior David Rettinger reached base on an error by the shortstop. Farris then singled to advance Rettinger to second base. With two men on base and a potential game-ending double play in order, Ponce delivered a clutch RBI single to the gap in left field, bringing home Rettinger to tie the game at 3-3. This brought up freshman Mark Carlson in the biggest situation yet of his young collegiate career. Third base coach Kyle Kilgo called for a safety squeeze and Carlson dropped down a perfect bunt to bring home Farris, the winning run of the game. The Crusaders dugout erupted and raced out to home plate to mob Farris and Carlson, the hero of the game.
Dallas will travel to California two weekends from now to face #7 Chapman University in a three game series, the final of the season. Information about potential postseason tournaments will be forthcoming.
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