Blackbirds Drop Second Straight in Baseball Classic

3/12/06 -– The Long Island University baseball team dropped its second straight game at the Papa John’s Baseball Classic to St. Bonaventure, 17-2, on Sunday afternoon in Lantana, Fla.

Junior Robert Rowen had two hits and an RBI for the Blackbirds, who fell to 1-3-1 on the season.

St. Bonaventure got off to a quick start, scoring eight runs in the tophalf of the first to take control of the game. Starting pitcher Mike Maynard lasted only one-third of an inning, giving up seven earned runs on eight hits.

The Bonnies continued their offensive charge in the third, scoring five runs to take a 13-0 lead. Brian Pelligrini hit his second double of the day in the inning to drive in two of the runs.

LIU was able to get on the board in the bottom half of the frame. Freshman Anthony Amatucci scored on a bases-loaded single by Rowen and a wild pitch by Bonnies starter Brian Hardner plated sophomore Dan Pirillo for the Blackbirds’ second run. With one out and runners on second and third, Hardner struck out back-to-back batters to end the LIU rally.

Pelligrini ended with three hits and four RBI and Randy Moley added four hits from the leadoff spot for St. Bonaventure.

The Blackbirds play Maine at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, Mar. 13 in their third game of the Papa John’s Baseball Classic.