In its series opener Friday, HBCU’s “Small School Division” No. 3 ranked Xavier topped No. 5 ranked Rust College by the score of 9-1.
The Gold Rush took advantage early, relying on walks and the long ball to plate runs. Xavier produced eight hits in the ball game including two wall-bangers as Tristan Rodriguez and Danny Coleman each belted home runs.
Xavier opened the scoring in the second inning as Jose Fulgencio led off with a base on balls, advanced to second on a stolen base, then swiped third base and scored on Courtland Posey’s sacrifice fly for a 1-0 lead.
Xavier would add another run in the bottom of the third inning. Jonathan Santos singled to center and advanced to second on a failed pick off attempt resulting in a throwing error by Rust first baseman William Teague. Co Co Simoneaux singled to center scoring Santos which put the Gold Rush up 2-0.
Back to back home runs scored three more in the fifth. Antonio Rodriguez reached on a two out walk and scored on a Tristan Rodriguez two run shot over the right field wall. Danny Coleman followed up with a homer to center giving Xavier a 5-0 lead.
Xavier continued to build its lead, plating a single run in the sixth and three runs in the seventh innings to take a 9-0 lead. Jeremy Moore doubled in the sixth inning and a single to center field off the bat of Dillon Cousin scored Moore. Then in the seventh, one of the three runs scored came by way of pinch runner Shane Goins who stole home on a successful double steal.
Rust College would finally get on the scoreboard in the eighth inning. Darrien Chapman tripled to center and Dreylin Holmes’ fielder’s choice ground out plated Chapman for the Bearcats lone Talley of the game.
Xavier never trailed in the contest. Co Co Simoneaux paced the Gold Rush with his 2-for-3 effort with one run batted in and Tristan Rodroguez went 1-for-3 at the plate with a home run and two runs batted in. Danny Colman had a home run driving in one run and was walked twice. Both Jeremy Moore and Dillon Cousins had one hit apiece and Michael Sonn accounted for two runs batted in.
The win was Xavier’s (9-3) fifth in a row. Starting pitcher Blair Frederick (1-2) fired a masterpiece. The senior struck out nine and worked his way around five walks and allowed four hits in eight innings of work. Freshman righty, LaMar Price, in his first collegiate game, retired the side in the ninth for the save.
The Gold Rush had six stolen bases in the game including three by Shane Goins.
Three pitchers were used by Rust College (10-10). Bearcat starter Adrian Mendoza (0-1) was tagged with the loss, but struck out five.
Xavier head coach Andrian Holloway stated “I was pleased with the outcome of today’s game. We faced another nationally ranked program that is well coached, and we came out victorious. Rust is a well coached, disciplined team. I am pleased at how our guys stayed focused and handled business as we should. We want to shock the world! Yes, we are a first year program, but this is not our first rodeo.”
