Game 4: Benedictine 6, Marian 4
ROCKFORD, Ill. -- Benedictine University scraped out the game-winning runs in the ninth inning and ended Marian University’s season 6-4 in an elimination game at the Northern Athletics Conference Baseball Tournament.

In the decisive inning, Nick Rice led off with a single through the right side of the infield. After a sacrifice moved Rice to second, Kenny Burdi followed with an RBI single that was misplayed in right field, allowing Burdi to reach third. Kyle Bergman then plated Burdi by beating out a single deep in the hole at shortstop.

Benedictine University got on the board early with two runs in the first courtesy of an Anthony Carioscia RBI single and a Rick Porcaro sacrifice fly. Porcaro plated two more runs in the third with a RBI double to right center field.

Marian University stayed close with single runs in the second, third and fifth innings. The Sabres scored without benefit of a hit in the second inning thanks to two errors in the Benedictine infield. Nick Reschke drove in the Sabres’ other two runs with a double in the third inning and a single in the fifth.

Marian University finally evened the game at four in the bottom of the seventh when Reschke picked up his third RBI of the game with a double over the right fielder’s head.

Porcaro finished three-for-three with two doubles and three RBIs. Kip Simmerman picked up the win in relief of starter Matt Strle. Drew Powers suffered the loss for the Sabres. Benedictine (26-16) advances to another elimination game tomorrow morning against Concordia University Chicago at 10 a.m. Marian University ends their season at 19-19.

Courtesy of Edgewood College, Sports Information Department, May 9, 2008.