The Ave Maria University baseball team led from wire-to-wire, and withstood a ninth inning rally to claim their third consecutive victory, a 4-2 triumph over Eckerd College. The win gave the Gyrenes a season sweep (2-0) over the Tritons.
Ave Maria's scoring began in the top of the first. Jack Yvars drew a walk, and moved to third base on a single from RJ Warnock. After Warnock was picked off for the second out of the inning, Conor Sullivan drilled an RBI double right center field. Sullivan's two bagger scored Yvars and gave the Gyrenes a 1-0 lead.
The Gyrenes added to the lead in the top of the third inning, again thanks to Sullivan. A Matt Wiles single, an error, and a fielder's choice put runners on second and third with one out. Once again with two outs, Sullivan clubbed a double, this one into right field. His second extra base hit scored Wiles and Yvars, putting AMU ahead 3-0.
AMU's lead became 4-0 in the top of the sixth inning, due in part to Eckerd miscues. Ryan Keegan started the frame by reaching on a fielding error, and advanced to second base on Sullivan's third hit of the day. Keegan then scored on a single by Sean Trymbiski, who then advanced to second when his hit was misplayed. Sullivan led the Gyrenes by going 3-for-4 with his three RBIs. Trymbiski and Christian Sanchez each added two hits.
Zack Rose was spectacular on the mound for the Gyrenes, throwing 7.1 shutout innings against Eckerd hitters. Rose scattered seven hits, striking out three and walking three others. Rose picked up the win for the Gyrenes, his second of the season. Eckerd's Ben Deaver was charged with the loss.
Eckerd scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth, and loaded the bases with the winning run on first base, but Justin Bureau added to his Ave Maria record with his eighth save. An error, a double, and three walks allowed the Tritons to threaten, but a groundout to first base ended the game and gave Ave a third consecutive win.
The Gyrenes return home this weekend for the final full Sun Conference series of the season. Ave Maria battles in-state rival Warner University on Friday and Saturday in a three game set. The series opener on Friday is set for 3 p.m. at Bowie's Ballpark in Ave Maria.
