The Brandeis University Judges displayed excellence as they showed off a great deal of talent during their double header on Thursday March 15th in Sanford, Florida. The Judges demolished the Case Western Reserve University Spartans 13-2 and followed their offensive explosion with strong defensive play as they held off Washington University 4-3.
Designated hitter Mike Alfego 09 contributed to a nine run second inning with his first career grand slam. The high scoring inning set the tone for the game as the Judges easily steam rolled past the Spartans.
Third basemen James Likis 10 went 2-2 with one home run, three runs batted in and scored three runs himself.
The Judges defense proved to be just as dominant as their offense as it helped Drew Brzozowski 10 earn his first career win during his first game at the collegiate level. Brzozowski faced 17 batters while only allowing one hit and had zero earned runs.
This powerful defense carried on into the second thrilling match-up of the double header as the Judges faced off against Washington University.
Alfego continued his stellar performance during the second game as he went 3-4 and scored all four of the Judges runs.
Of the four Alfego runs, the most crucial came at the top of the ninth inning when the Judges were up 3-2. Alfego put them up 4-2 and gave closer James Collins 09 some much needed breathing room as he lead the defense into the ninth inning.
With two outs and runners on second and third Collins gave up a single to Eddy Hoering 06. The runner from third scored but as the tying run raced to home from second outfielder Ben Dashefsky 06 pin-pointed a game saving throw to catcher Artie Posch 10 who blocked the plate and saved the game.
Pitcher Craig Letendre 07 received his first win of the season after pitching six innings and allowing seven hits and one earned run. Collins finished the game with his second win of the season.
These two winning performances followed the agonizing 6-5 loss against the University of Rochester on March 14th.
The Judges had a 4-2 lead in the eighth inning but blew the lead.
The loss was handed to pitcher Kyler Ritchie 10 as he saw four batters in one inning of play and gave up three earned runs.
