Wehri ties Widman for USF career RBI lead at 114

  ORMOND BEACH, Fla. -- This time it was the start that cost the University of Saint Francis a chance at a diamond conquest on Saturday in the Cougars' final game in Florida.

  Rio Grande University scored 10 runs in the first two innings and held of USF 16-11 in a single, nine inning game. On a more positive note, USF senior Jarrod Wehri knocked in two runs to tie Josh Widman for the USF career RBI record at 114.

  "Kevin (Merz) didn't pitch bad, they just really came out swinging hard and making contact," USF coach Greg Roberts said. "They may have been the most aggressive team we played. Kevin is a solid pitcher and he'll be fine."

  RGU scored four runs in the first and added six in the second chasing the USF freshman starter after 1 2/3 innings.

  The Cougars didn't quit and cut the difference to 14-10 after 6 1/2 innings. But the Cougars are still young and learning and surrendered a pair of runs on a mental error, then left the bases loaded in the top of the ninth after scoring one run.

  Four Cougars had two or more RBI led by newcomer John Saporsantos, who had three.  Wehri, Jake Trahin and Nate Long had two RBI apiece. Trahin led the USF offensive attack with a career best 4-for-5 day at the plate. Saporsantos went 3-for-5. Nunez went 2-for-5. For Wehri, it was RBI No. 8 and No. 9 this season.

  USF put five runs on the scoreboard in the top of the third inning to cut the RGU lead in half. Wehri knocked in two runs with a two-run double. Long, Saporsantos and Tony Drysdale added run scoring singles. USF added three more runs in the seventh, two on a Saporsantos single and another on a Long fielder's choice. Trahin doubled in two runs for USF in the seventh.

  With two outs and nobody on in the ninth, Ben Dunlap and Trahin singled. Nunez singled scoring Dunlap. But with runners at first and second, Long struckout looking after fouling off several pitches with the ount full.

  "We are ahead of where we were a year ago, and just need to play better situational baseball," Roberts said. "We were in just about every game this year and that was at some times starting four freshmen."

  USF is schedule to open Mid-Central Conference play and its home schedule on Thursday at 1 p.m. with a twin bill against 2007 NAIA Tournament runner-up Spring Arbor University, though weather may cause a change in the schedule.

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  -- Go USF --