Seven-Run Fourth Boosts Baseball Past Longwood, 16-8

(box score)

4/1/07 -– The Long Island University baseball team used a seven-run fourth inning to defeat Longwood, 16-8, and come away with a split of the four-game series. Nine Blackbirds drove in at least one run and freshman Greg DeSantis (Bridgewater, N.J.) had a big day, going 4-for-4 with a double and four RBIs.

Trailing 4-3 heading into the top of the fourth, DeSantis got things started for the Blackbirds with a single. Catcher Chris Kievit (Wayne, N.J.) grounded into a fielder’s choice, with DeSantis thrown out at second. Freshman Johnnie Neckar (Fort Myers, Fla.) followed with a double to put runners on second and third for Gerard Tingos (Staten Island, N.Y.), who came through with an RBI single to tie the game.

Senior Marcus Wynn (Plainfield, N.Y.) reached on an error and classmate Robbie Rowen (Rosendale, N.Y.) singled to load the bases. After Orlando Cruz (White Plains, N.Y.) fouled out, freshman pitcher James Jones (Brooklyn, N.Y.) stroked a two-run single to right field. Second baseman Trey Bell (Georgetown, Del.) drove in another run with a single to left field before DeSantis knocked in two more with a double that put the Blackbirds up 10-4 and knocked Longwood pitcher John Walker II out of the game.

Jones picked up the win to improve to 1-1. He pitched seven innings and allowed 12 hits, seven runs (four earned) and no walks. Jones struck out five Longwood hitters. Walker (4-2) was tagged for seven runs and nine hits in 2 2/3 innings.

Jones also went 2-for-5 from the plate with three runs scored and a pair of RBIs. Long Island improved to 5-12 for the season, while Longwood dropped to 23-11.

The Blackbirds will return home to LIU Field on Tuesday, April 3, when they take on Hofstra at 3:00 p.m.