CINCINNATI – The Wright State baseball team fell short to Xavier 10-7 on Tuesday afternoon. The Raiders are now 13-11 on the season and will host Oakland for a three-game series beginning Thursday, March 28.
The Raiders finished with seven runs on seven hits with five walks against their 15 strikeouts. They were led by
Nate Manley and
Ben Vore with two hits each, followed by
Carson Clark,
Jay Luikart, and
Boston Smith each putting up one hit. Manley made up over half the team's RBIs, with a solo home run in the top of the second, and a three RBI homer in the fifth. Other extra-base hits for the Raiders include home runs by Smith and Vore, and doubles by Luikart and Vore. Manley reached base twice on walks, while
Parker Harrison, Clark, and Luikart reached on walks once.
Xavier took an early 5-0 lead in the first inning. Back-to-back homers from Smith and Manley in the top of the second lowered the Musketeer's led to three, but Xavier added a run in both the third and fourth inning, raising their advantage to five.
The Musketeer's five run lead did not last long, as Vore recorded a two RBI homer to left field, lowering the lead 7-4. A three RBI home run by Manley tied the game at seven, putting himself, Luikart, and Smith across home plate. Xavier regained the lead with two runs in the bottom of the fifth, and another in the eighth, ending the game 10-7.
Wes Earles (0-1) was charged with the loss after allowing two runs on two hits with three walks in one inning of work. Making just his second appearance for Wright State,
Griffen Paige led the team with three strikeouts in his two innings on the mound, allowing no runs, hits, or walks.
Garrett Peters also added three strikeouts for the Raiders, allowing one run on one hit in an inning of work. Duke Benge notably entered in the first inning, preventing two runners from advancing for the Musketeers.
Alex Vera (1-2) was awarded the win, allowing two runs with one hit and no walks in his one and a third innings on the mound, striking out two batters. Jake Lambdin earned the save, pitching in the ninth inning and preventing two Raiders from scoring. Xavier finished with ten runs on eight hits with nine walks and three hit by pitch. They were led by Matt McCormick with two hits and two RBI, adding one double on the day.
