NEWPORT, R.I. (courtesy Salve Regina sports information) - Junior third baseman Tony Deshler (Pepperell, Mass.) doubled in the game-tying run and scored the go-ahead run on an error as visiting Brandeis University came from behind to defeat Salve Regina University, 9-4, in non-league baseball action at Reynolds Field in Newport.
The Seahawks (7-6) had taken an early 4-1 lead with a pair of runs in the 2nd and 4th innings. Sophomore outfielder Byron Reding (Darien, Conn.) scored twice after reaching base via basehit and hit-by-pitch. Freshman utility player Alex Murphy (Warwick, R.I.) earned a start at first base with regular first sacker Michael O'Neill (Auburn, Maine) getting the mound assignment. Murphy doubled in the 4th for an RBI.
O'Neill, who shares the lead in the TCCC with four home runs, pitched a solid six innings allowing just three runs and leaving with the lead. After being lifted in favor of freshman and former high school teammate Devin Flynn (Auburn, Maine), O'Neill remained in the game at first base and collected two hits - a double and single.
But the Seahawk offense stalled after scoring two in the 4th, with only four batters reaching base and that was O'Neill on two occasions.
Deshler had a pair of doubles and three runs scored. Senior first baseman Drake Livada (Cape Elizabeth, Maine) opened the 8th with a triple off Flynn. Deshler followed with his second two-bagger and scored when the Salve Regina third baseman could not handle the throw to cut down Deshler and the ball went out of play.
DH Zach Wooley (Argyle, Texas) and catcher Artie Posch (Hopedale, Mass) followed with a single and double, respectively, before scoring on back-to-back sacrifice hits. Junior Eric Rosenberg (Oakland, N.J.) came off the bench to deliver a run-scoring double in the 9th. The Judges got a fine starting performance from rookie lefty Dylan Britton (Poughquag, N.Y./Arlington), who went 6.2 innings, allowing seven hits and four runs (three earned). Britton struck out four, walked one and hit three batters before giving way to classmate Mike Swerdloff (Scarsdale, N.Y./Ardsley). Swerdloff retired all four batters he faced, striking out two of them, to earn his first collegiate win.