April 11, 2008

Box Score

Duquesne (14-14) and La Salle (5-26) played through the raindrops Friday afternoon and the Dukes prevailed with an 18-9 decision over the visiting Explorers. DU claimed sole posession of first place in the Atlantic 10 standings, improving its A-10 record to 9-1 and its home record to 8-0.

Derek Mechling went 4-5 in the game, setting one school record and tying three others. He set a school record by extending his hitting streak to 17 games and tied school records with five runs scored, three home runs and seven RBI. Dante Plassio also tied a school record in the contest with three walks.

After the Explorers grabbed a 1-0 lead in the top of the first, Mechling answered quickly, leading off the Dukes' half of the first with a lead-off home run for the second straight game. Mike Carroll followed with a homer later in the inning as the Dukes took a 2-1 lead that they would not relinquish. The Dukes scored in six of the eight innings they batted in including a game-high six runs in the second inning.

Anthony Manley blasted his first collegiate homer on Friday

The Red and Blue's first four batters combined for 10 hits, 11 runs and 17 RBI. Anthony Manley went 3-4 with four runs scored, three RBI and his first career collegiate home run. Aaron Janusey had two hits and three RBI and Carroll contributed four RBI.

Ryan Juran collected his team leading fourth win of the season, tossing the first seven innings while striking out four. Matt Passauer hurled the final two scoreless frames, fanning three.

Game two of the series will be played Saturday at 1:00 pm. If Sunday's weather forecast continues to look gloomy on Saturday, the Dukes and Explorers may elect to play game three on Saturday also.