The Blue Streaks found themselves trailing 6-4 in the bottom of the seventh inning on Friday afternoon against crosstown Case Western Reserve University. JCU would need the type of explosive comeback the Spartans pulled off days erlier at Schweickert Field.
Rob Cifelli's RBI single to left field capped a three-run ninth inning that clinched a 7-6 victory over CWRU.
The Blue Streaks (9-12) have now split their first two games against the Spartans.
JCU led 2-0 in the first inning after a
David Crowley RBI triple and
Monroe Donnelly RBI single.
After Crowley doubled to right center, JCU led 3-1 in the third. Four unanswered runs by Case put them in the drivers seat.
In the top of the ninth,
James Molnar drew a bases-loaded walk, followed by a
Mike Raschilla RBI single. With two outs, Cifelli punched the ball to left for the go-ahead run.
The center fielder went 3-for-5 with an RBI and a walk. Crowley drove in two runs on two hits. Donnelly ended up 3-for-4 with an RBI.
Christopher Hanley got the start, allowing five runs in 3 2/3 innings. Pisanello (1-0) pitched the eighth and ninth, striking out two.
Up next for JCU is a doubleheader with Wilmington on Sunday.
