Box Score NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Junior pitcher
Brandon
Holsworth (Beal City, Mich.) had a career game Sunday
at Captains Park as he pitched Gallaudet University to a 1-0
shutout over in-region powerhouse Christopher Newport University.
Gallaudet (8-3) came through with its seven consecutive win as the
Bison defeated the unranked Captains (7-7).
This is Gallaudet's first win over the Captains in six tries, a
series that began in 2009. In the previous three years, when these
two teams met CNU was ranked No. 8 or higher in the NCAA Division
III baseball rankings.
Holsworth (3-1) tied his career-high with nine strikeouts as he
allowed four hits and two walks on 114 pitches in the complete game
(nine innings) shutout.
Senior Chris Guinn
(McLoud, Okla.) came through the game's only RBI as he singled to
left field, in the fourth inning, to plate senior outfielder
William
Bissell (Brewer, Maine) from second base.
CNU senior starting pitcher Bryan Bierlein (1-2) was just as
impressive in the pitching duel. Bierlein pitched a complete game
and allowed three singles, walked one, struck out six on just 84
pitches. The game had no extra base hits or errors.
The Captains threatened in the bottom of the eighth inning as
they loaded the bases with two outs but Holsworth got CNU first
baseman Justin Weaver to strikeout for the third time in the
game.
CNU started the bottom of the ninth inning with a single and a
fielder's choice before hitting into a game-ending double play.
Jacob Houston grounded out to first base for the second out but
pinch runner Bryant Lowry gambled trying to take third base after
advancing to second base on the ground out. Lowry saw GU third
baseman Mitchell
Bensman (Russia, Ohio) away from third base and darted
to third but tripped halfway there and was tagged out to end the
game.
Gallaudet senior catcher Casey Hicks
(Henderson, Nev.) was one of three Bison to record a hit in the
win. Hicks has hit safely in the 10 games he has played this season
and has an 11-game hitting streak dating back to last season.
The Bison have five days to rest up before heading to Florida
for their annual Spring Break trip. GU will face five different
schools and play six games in six days. Gallaudet starts things off
in Auburndale, Fla., against Ramapo on Saturday, March 15, at 6
p.m.