Air Force Academy
Navy
Air Force Downed By Navy In 11 Innings
2/28/2010 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Feb. 28, 2010
SAVANNAH, Ga. - Air Force lost to Navy, 10-9, in a wild baseball game Sunday afternoon at Grayson Stadium. The loss drops the Falcons to 1-6, while the Midshipmen improved to 6-1.
Navy broke an 8-8 tie with two runs in the top of the 11th. Air Force was able to respond with a run in the bottom of the inning but could not overtake the Midshipmen.
Navy jumped ahead 5-0 after two innings of play. The Falcons responded by scoring eight consecutive runs, highlighted by a five-run seventh, to go ahead 8-5.
The Mids rallied with two runs in the eighth and tied it in the ninth with a run, sending the game into extra innings.
Despite committing five errors to Air Force's none, Navy was able to come out with the win. The Midshpmen had 18 hits on the day, with Matthew Curley going 4-for-4 two runs and two RBIs. Alex Azor and Kendall Bolt also had three hits for Navy.
Air Force had 10 hits in the game. Senior first baseman Addison Gentry led the way, going 3-for-5 two runs scored. Nathan Carter and Matthew Roberts collected two hits each.
Navy reliever Tyler Mapes (1-0) earned the win with Joel Rinehart picking up the save. Midshipmen starter Zach Sipe went six innings, allowing three runs while striking out four.
Sophomore Evan Abrecht (0-2) took the loss in 3.1 innings of relief for Air Force. Freshman right-hander Stephen Colangelo went three innings in the start, allowing five runs while striking out two. The Falcons also got a strong relief outing out of freshman Alex Baker, who did not allow a run in four innings of work. Freshman Matt Zettler also pitched in relief for AFA.
Air Force returns to action Tuesday, March 2, hosting Colorado Christian in its home-opener. Prior to the 2:30 first-pitch, a Ribbon Cutting ceremony will take place to inaugurate the newly renovated Falcon Field. Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michael C. Gould and Athletic Director Dr. Hans Mueh will be on hand for the festivities, which are slated to begin at 2:15 p.m.
