Jones' Two-Run Homer Propels Blackbirds Past Maine, 8-2

(Box Score)

3/14/07 --Freshman James Jones (Brooklyn, N.Y) hit a two-run home run to key a five-run sixth inning and lead the Long Island University baseball team past Maine, 8-2, on the final day of action at the Papa John's Palm Beach Challenge.

With the Blackbirds trailing 2-0 in the home half of the sixth, senior Trey Bell (Georgetown, Del.) led off with a double and scored on classmate Robbie Rowen's (Rosendale, N.Y.) single. Pinch-hitter Anthony Amatucci's (Toms River, N.J.)sacrifice bunt moved Rowen to second and set up Jones for what would be the game-winning RBIs.

Senior Mike Maynard (Staten Island, N.Y.) pitched seven strong innings to earn the win. He allowed just five hits, two runs (one earned) and two walks while striking out three. Seniors John Dooley (Deer Park, N.Y.) and Rowen each pitched an inning of shutout relief to close out the game.

Long Island will continue its road swing with three games in Philadelphia as part of the Villanova Baseball Bash. The Blackbirds will visit Saint Joseph's on Friday, March 16 at 3:00 p.m.