SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. – Shepherd University (13-7) outslugged regional power Millersville (13-6) for a 14-6 victory in non-conference baseball action at Fairfax Field on Tuesday.
Millersville took a 2-0 lead in the first inning on an RBI-single by Luke Trainer and a sacrifice fly from Jimmy Losh.
Shepherd rallied with three runs in the bottom of the frame behind a two-run single from junior first baseman Justin Smith (Hagerstown, Md./Smithsburg/Hagerstown CC) and an RBI-single off the bat of junior catcher Christian Hamel (Pasadena, Md./IMG Academy).
The Marauders added a run in the second on an RBI-single from Kaylor Kulina and Shepherd retook the lead at 4-3 on a solo blast by Smith.
Sophomore first baseman Daniel Keer (Lehighton, Pa./Marian Catholic)smacked a two-run double in the third to give the Rams a 6-3 advantage.
The Rams took control of the game in the sixth as they plated seven runs. Junior shortstop Trenton Burgreen (Winchester, Va./Millbrook) belted a grand slam to key the rally.
Millersville got a three-run homer from Eric Callahan in the seventh before Shepherd completed the scoring in the bottom of the inning on a RBI on a fielder's choice by graduate student infielder Syeed Mahdi (Odenton, Md./Arundel/Norfolk State).
Junior outfielder Brenton Doyle (Warrenton, Va./Kettle Run) led the Rams with a 3-for-6 effort.
Kulina went 3-for-5 to pace the Marauders.
Junior pitcher Eric O'Brien (Richmond, Va./Douglas Freeman) (6.0 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 4 K, 2 BB) (2-0) gained the win for the Rams. Alex Mykut (2.1 IP, 8 H, 6 ER, 2 K, 1 BB) (0-1) took the loss for the Marauders.
The Rams return to action on Saturday when they travel to Charleston for a 1 p.m. doubleheader.
