Rochelle was last week's C-USA Hitter of the Week |
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Rochelle's 11th-Inning Homer Sinks Duquesne
March 11, 2005
Charlotte, N.C. - Sophomore catcher Kris Rochelle launched a two-run homer over the left field fence in the bottom of the 11th inning, leading the Charlotte 49ers baseball team to a 6-4 win in the first-ever meeting with future Atlantic 10 Conference foe Duquesne on Friday afternoon at Tom & Lib Phillips Field.
Following a single by senior Adam Willard, Rochelle came to bat in the bottom of the 11th with one out. Previously 0-for-4 on the day, he drove a full-count pitch over the left-field wall for his first collegiate game-winning home run. His fourth homer of the season gives him a team-high 21 RBI, just five off of his total for all of 2004.
The homer sealed the first collegiate victory for true freshman pitcher Keith Moreland, who notched his eighth scoreless outing in nine appearances this season. He finished the game with 3.1 innings pitched, allowing just two hits and one walk.
"Duquesne has a good ball club," said head coach Loren Hibbs following the game. "They ran out a senior today who can really pitch (starter Bob Reifschneider) and gave us some trouble. But I told those guys in the locker room, this proves that they can come from behind and win, and that's important."
Charlotte (12-3) trailed the entire game, and was down 4-3 heading into the bottom of the ninth. Leadoff hitter Cory Lane was hit by a Jon Smith pitch, prompting a pitching change. Lane then advanced to second on a wild pitch by Jeremy Gerger, and moved to third on a ground out to second base by twin brother Chris Lane. During the next at-bat, Cory scored the tying run on a fastball in the dirt that got to the backstop.
However after two walks, the Niners would strand both runners to send the game to extra innings.
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After Moreland retired Duquesne (2-5) in order in the 10th, the 49ers had a chance to put the game away. O'Brien Taylor beat out a bunt down the third base line, and freshman Dan Woodall drew a one-out walk to put two men on. However, Taylor was picked off at second base for the second out, and Woodall was thrown out at the plate trying to score from second on a single by Cory Lane.
A strong throw by O'Brien Taylor in the top of the 11th inning helped Moreland out of a jam and gave the Niners an opportunity to win. After a two-out walk to Patrick Kimutis, who stole second, Bill Torre singled into left field. Taylor's strong throw was not cut off and Kimutis was out at home to end the inning, setting up Rochelle's heroics.
49er starter Derek McDaid pitched into the eighth inning, allowing four runs before giving way to the bullpen.
These same teams will meet at noon on both Saturday and Sunday.
