WINSTON-SALEM, NC – Winston-Salem State rode the hot bats of Dylan Dombrowskas and Des Roberts, and got strong pitching performances from Nathan Steger and Eric Corlett, as the Rams pounded #19 Millersville, 9-0 in the series finale Sunday at BB&T Ballpark.
With the win, WSSU improves to 4-1 on the season, while Millersville falls to 1-2.
Winston-Salem state got on the scoreboard in the third inning, after Colby Keene was hit by a pitch to start the inning. Gavin Culler advanced Keene on a sac bunt followed by a walk from Des Roberts. Dylan Dombrowskas reach on an error by the right fielder, allowing Colby Keene to score.
The Rams would add to the lead in the fifth inning, as Gavin Culler singled to left field, followed by a double to right center from Des Roberts, allowing Culler to round the bases and score. Dylan Dombrowskas would single, and Conner Andrus would produce a sacrifice fly to left field, allowing Roberts to score.
One inning later the Rams would explode for four more runs, as Taylor Idol and Gavin Culler would draw walks, and Des Roberts would single to right to load the bases. Dylan Dombrowskas would double to left center field, clearing the bases. After a pitching change for Millersville, Connor Andrus was hit by a pitch and Nathan Steger singled to left to load the bases again. Aaron Hatch would draw a walk, bringing in another run to give WSSU a 7-0 lead.
WSSU would put the game away in the seventh inning, as Gavin Culler doubled to left, followed by a triple off the bat of Des Roberts, bringing in Culler. After a Dombrowskas walk, Connor Andrus singled to left bringing in Roberts, and giving the Rams a commanding 9-0 advantage.
Winston-Salem State would hold Millersville off the scoreboard, and would take the final game of the series, 9-0. WSSU would also take the series, two games to one.
The Rams’ pitching staff combined to hold Millersville hitters to four hits and struck out seven. Millersville was shut out in a regular season game for the first time since March 22, 2013. It was also Millersville’s largest margin of defeat since March 13, 2013.
“We pitched extremely well today and committed zero errors. We also had the big hits when it matters, and Dylan Dombrowskas and Des Roberts continue to tear it up offensively”, said WSSU head coach, Kevin Ritsche.
“I’m proud of everyone’s contribution this weekend and I think we took a big step in the right direction”, added Ritsche.
Eric Corlett picked up the win out of the bullpen, going 4.2 innings in relief. Corlett allowed just three hits while striking out five. Nathan Steger went 3.1 innings as the starter, allowing one hit, walking two and striking out one. Jordan Cummings pitched the ninth, striking out one.
WSSU was led at the plate by Dylan Dombrowskas, who finished with four runs batted in, on two of four hitting and one run scored. Des Roberts went three for four with two runs batted in and three runs scored. Roberts finished a home run short of the cycle. Connor Andrus went two for three with two rbi’s, and Gavin culler went two for three with three runs scored. Nathan Steger went two for five and Alex Grubb went one for five. Aaron Hatch picked up a rbi, and Colby Keene and Taylor Idol each scored a run.
Winston-Salem State will host Indiana University (PA) in a four game set starting Friday at BB&T Ballpark, a double header on Saturday at Finch Field in Thomasville, NC and the series finale back at BB&T Ballpark on Sunday.