FROM PRESS RELEASE
AUSTIN, Texas–St. Edward’s opened up Heartland Conference play sweeping two games from Newman Friday afternoon at Lucian-Hamilton Field. The Hilltoppers took the first game, 6-2, and won the second contest, 8-4.
In game one, St. Edward’s (2-3, 2-0 HC) jumped out to an early lead against Newman (0-2, 0-2 HC). The Hilltoppers got on the board in the second inning, scoring four runs on four hits. Center fielder Chris Dinges started off the inning with an infield single. After catcher Stephen McClanahan drew a walk, shortstop Anthony Spagnolo launched a three-run home run to left field. The Toppers tacked on another run in the inning when second baseman Drew Cross singled in left fielder Bradley Goldsmith.
The Jets answered with a two run third inning. Center fielder John Beavers knocked an RBI single to right field and first baseman Brett Hutton added an RBI double to right center. This would do it for Newman however, as Bradley Goldsmith blasted a two-run home run in the sixth inning and the Hilltoppers went on to take the game, 6-2.
St. Edward’s starter Patrick Colgan (1-1) had a stellar outing in game one. Colgan went six strong innings, allowing two runs on eight hits, and striking out eight Jet batters to win his first game of the season.
In game two, the Hilltoppers struck first again. Dinges collected a two-run single up the middle to get St. Edward’s on the board. The Hilltoppers scored again in the second inning when Cross and third baseman Brian Thomas notched RBI hits.
The Jets got on the board with a run in the third inning but St. Edward’s tacked on another two runs in the fifth on RBI singles by designated hitter Justin Shufelt and Spagnolo.
Newman scored another run in the sixth inning and one more in the eighth to trail the Hilltoppers 8-3 going into the top of the ninth inning. After Hilltopper reliever Brent Davis walked the bases loaded, closer David Wagner entered the game and got a ground out and induced a line drive double play to close out the game and earn his first save of the season.
Hilltopper starter Bret Freimel (1-0) turned in an outstanding pitching performance. Freimel worked seven strong innings, giving up two runs on eight hits, while striking out nine Jets.
The Hilltoppers will be back in action Sunday afternoon to complete their weekend series against Newman. The first pitch is set for 12 p.m. at Lucian-Hamilton Field.
