Wake Forest University
Elon
Deacons Fall at Elon, 4-1
2/12/2003 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Feb. 12, 2003
Elon, N.C. -- The Wake Forest baseball team fell at Elon 4-1 on Wednesday afternoon, leveling its season record to 1-1. Last year, the Deacons lost at Elon by an identical score.
Just a day after scoring 26 runs in the season opener, the well of Demon Deacon offense went dry. Wake Forest mustered just one run on seven hits against Elon starter Brian Hensen (1-0). Hensen got the win, going eight innings, allowing one run on six hits with four strikeouts and two walks. Lance Cole pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his first save.
The Deacons (1-1) put eight runners on base through five innings. The team's best scoring chance came in the fourth inning with runners on the corners with one out. Steven Malinowski's looping line drive was caught behind second base and Doug Riepe was doubled off second base to end the threat.
After that point, the Deacons didn't get a runner in scoring position until the eighth inning.
Seth Hill (0-1) also worked with runners on base for much for the day but held Elon at bay until the seventh. He went 6.2 innings, allowing four hits with one strikeout and three walks.
In the seventh, the Phoenix loaded the bases with two out before Hill gave way to junior reliever Adam Hanson. Hanson hit the first batter to force in the game's first run. Then, pinch hitter Holt Montgomery doubled to left center to clear the bases, making it 4-0.
When the dust cleared, the Phoenix scored four runs on just one hit, all unearned, after a throwing error and three hit batsman.
The Deacons came back with a run in the eighth when Steve LeFaivre scored on Jamie D'Antona's sacrifice fly.
Junior Nick Blue, who missed the entire fall after shoulder surgery, got the start at designated hitter today. After striking out in first inning, he left the game. LeFaivre pinch hit for Blue during the second time through the batting order.
Wake Forest also played without shortstop Ben Ingold. Also, first baseman Jeff Ruziecki and catcher Ryder Mathias continue to nurse injuries.
The Deacons will return home for a three-game weekend series against West Virginia beginning on Friday at 3:00 p.m. at Hooks Stadium.
