University of Memphis Athletics
Four-Run Ninth Sends Rookies Past Vets, 6-5
Oct 29, 2007 | Baseball
Oct. 29, 2007
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Four-Run Ninth Send Barton's Rookies Past Vets, 6-5 Newcomers score four in the ninth to win
Down by three runs, with one out in the top of the ninth inning, the University of Memphis Rookies staged a four-run rally, and freshman Chad Bell fanned two in the bottom of the ninth to earn the save as the newcomers bested the Veterans 6-5 in the annual Rookies-Vets tilt on Saturday.
"This was another enjoyable scrimmage to watch from a fan's perspective," said Tiger Head Coach Daron Schoenrock. "My staff and I continue to see things we need to work on to have a successful season. Overall I am encouraged by the intensity and effort we are getting in our scrimmages. The younger players continue to progress and improve daily."
The Rookies, under the guidance of Cory Barton, won for the second time over the home team Vets in Schoenrock's 21-year coaching career. The first Rookies' victory was an offensive explosion that showcased 24 runs between both teams. The Tiger newcomers posted a 15-9 triumph to claim its first win in the 2004 game.
Knoxville native, redshirt freshman Zach Helton's RBI-double highlighted the Rooks four scores in ninth that erased a 5-2 deficit. After pulling his team within one-run, at 5-4, Helton crossed the game-tying score when Robbie Graham's hot-shot to second was booted, and rolled to the right centerfield gap. Graham then recorded the game-winner on the next at-bat. He was waved home from second on a ground ball to second off the bat of Chad Zurcher, and slid in just ahead of the tag to give Barton's bunch a one-run advantage. Graham finished the afternoon with a double and an RBI.
Bell came on in the ninth and proved that the one-run cushion was all he needed. Facing the heart of the Veteran's lineup, the freshman out of Knoxville, Tenn., worked around a leadoff walk to earn the save. He struck out two and induced a game-ending pop-up to second base.
Ryan Holland picked up the win for the first-year players, while Dylan Cupples took the loss for the Vets.
Senior Chris Kirkland led the Veterans with two hits. He was the lone player in the game to post multiple base knocks. Senior K.K. Chalmers had two RBI.
Tiger pitchers were solid on both sides on Saturday. Senior Neil Schenk fanned three and junior Scott McGregor tossed two scoreless innings for the Vets. Reliever Matt Yokley struck out a pair in an inning of work. Chris Novikoff hurled a pair of scoreless frames for the Rookies.
Memphis will hold intersquad scrimmages on Tuesday, Oct. 30, Wednesday, Oct. 31, and Thursday, Nov. 1. The Garibaldi's Series will begin on Sunday, Nov. 4.
