| April 15, 2006
Contact: Carlos Valdez III. Keithley’s walk-off homer gives UTSA a 10-8 win and completes the sweep over Nicholls State Box Score
SAN ANTONIO – Freshman James Keithley (right) blasted his first career home run over the left field fence to give UTSA a 10-8 win and complete the sweep over Nicholls State in Southland Conference action Saturday afternoon at Roadrunner Field. The sweep against the Colonels was the first for the Roadrunners since the 2004 season when they swept Sam Houston State on May 15-16 at Roadrunner Field.
The Roadrunners, winner of their last three games, improved their record to 23-12 overall and 10-5 in SLC play. Meanwhile, the Colonels dipped to 11-28 on the year and 4-14 in conference play.
The Runners offense hammered the Colonels pitching staff for a total of 43 hits and 34 runs over the weekend. Senior Lee Todesco paved the way with a 4-for-5 day, including two doubles and a run batted in. Keithley had a monster day, going 3-for-5 with career-high three runs batted in and had the game winning hit. Keithley also belted his first career home run. Senior J.R. Voyles went 2-for-4 on the day, to extend his hitting streak to a career-best 22 games.
UTSA pitcher Noah Tritz, picked up his team leading seventh win of the season. He tossed two-thirds of an inning and allowed no hits and no runs. Sophomore Mark Ruffin came out of the pen to shut out Nicholls State’s bats, as he pitched two-plus scoreless innings.
David Burch got the loss for Nicholls and dropped his mark to 2-2 on the year. Junior Michael Roberts collected two RBI and two hits for the Colonels. Freshman designated hitter, Ryan Cheramie also recorded two hits and scored twice.
The Roadrunners took the 3-0 lead after one inning of play. Sophomore Marshal Davis and Voyles hit back-to-back singles to reach base, then Davis and Voyles advanced to second and third on a successful double steal. Todesco (left) picked up his 33rd RBI of the season, with a single to left field to score the first run of the game. Keithley’s double off the left field wall, allowed for Voyles to come around and give UTSA 2-0 lead. The Runners made the score 3-0 off a Nicholls State error. In the second inning, the Roadrunners tagged on a run, to make the score 4-0.
Nicholls State knotted the game 4-all in the top of the third. The Colonels scored their four runs off two hits and a UTSA error. Senior Mike Roberts’ two-run single highlighted the Colonel inning. NSU grabbed the lead (5-4), when freshman Chris Barnes doubled to left field. With two outs, junior Thomas Bourne’s RBI single plated Barnes from second base.
Nicholls pushed its lead to 7-4 in the fifth inning. Roberts led off with an infield hit. A base hit by senior Jose Higuera moved Roberts to second. A miscue by the Roadrunners allowed for Roberts to score. Senior Keith Delahoussaye’s double to right field brought Michael Muscato home, who reached on a fielder’s choice.
The Runners regained the lead, 8-7, in the bottom of the fifth inning. UTSA sent nine batters in that inning and came out with four runs off six hits. Junior Michael McKennon and Todesco started off with back-to-back singles. With one out, freshman Michael Rockett drove in McKennon from second. Junior Brandon Koger collected his fourth RBI of the series with a single to right field, to plate Todesco. Senior Robbie Johns’ infield hit tied the game 7-7. A Nicholls State error, allowed for Koger to come and give UTSA the 8-7 lead. The Colonels tied the game in the top of the sixth, when junior Michael Bartek’s RBI single up the middle scored freshman Ryan Cheramie, who reached base via a single.
UTSA returns to action this Tuesday, April 18, with a non-conference game against No. 6 Texas at Wolff Stadium. First pitch is set for 6 p.m.
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