SANFORD, Fla. -- Sophomore hurler Pat Nicholson (E. Walpole, Mass./Walpole) tossed a complete-game four-hitter and senior DH Nick Gallagher (Southboro, Mass./St. John's) hit his first career home runs as the Brandeis baseball team defeated Washington University, 3-1, in the University Athletic Association opener for both squads.
The Judges (3-3, 1-0 UAA) got all the scoring they would need in the second inning, when Gallagher went deep with one on and one out. Brandeis added a run in the fourth as senior CF Mike Alfego (Shrewsbury, Mass./St. John's) doubled to lead off the frame. Alfego moved to third on a single by junior 3B James Likis (Cambridge, Mass./Cambridge Rindge & Latin) and scored just ahead of the tag on a sacrifice fly by rookie 2B Joe Correia (Belleville, N.J./Montclair Kimberly Acad.).
The rest was up to Nicholson. Making just his third career start, the sophomore kept Washington University hitless through the first six innings. He retired the first 11 batters he faced and allowed just two base-runners on a walk and an error before surrendering his first hit in the seventh inning. Washington University (3-2, 0-1 UAA) finally struck in the ninth inning, on a single, a hit batter and an RBI hit by sophomore designated hitter Matt Bayer driving in junior Joe Wenzel. With runners on first and third, Nicholson ended the game on a line-out to shortstop Sean O'Hare (Southampton, Mass./Hampshire Regional). Nicholson finished with seven strikeouts and no walks or extra-base hits allowed.
The Judges had three multiple hitters, as Gallagher (2-4, 2 RBI, HR), Alfego (2-3, 2 R, 2B) and junior 1B Drake Livada (Cape Elizabeth, Maine/Cape Elizabeth) each had two hits.