Box Score SALISBURY, Md. – The Salisbury University baseball team earned a walk-off victory in extra innings against New Jersey City University on Saturday afternoon at Sea Gull Baseball stadium.
The Sea Gulls (8-4) found their way into the run column early, scoring the first run of the game in the bottom of the first inning. After reaching base on a single, leadoff hitter Justin Meekins advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt by Jake Terry. A throwing error by the opposing catcher as he tried to throw Meekins out on a steal of third base allowed the speedy center fielder to finish his trip around the diamond.
The Gothic Knights (5-3) would tie the game at two in the top half of the seventh inning, but Salisbury would answer back in the bottom half of the frame. A Simon Palenchar double with two men in scoring position scored the first two runs of the inning. The next at-bat turned into a run-scoring single by Jack Decker, who sent one up the middle to plate Palenchar.
Down three in the ninth, the Gothic Knights would rally to tie things up and send the game into extra frames.
The game still hung in the balance as the Sea Gulls entered the bottom of the 11th with the game still tied. Troy Miller would walk and steal second, which led to the intentional walk of Jay Perry. Next, a Kyle Canavan sacrifice bunt would be followed by a Scott Ardoin walk.
With the bases loaded and two away, Matt Padeway would step into the box with a chance to end the game. His first two pitches didn't go as planned, as he found himself a strike away from sending the game into the 12th inning. However, patience at the plate led to four straight pitches outside the zone, and the Sea Gulls would rally to win 7-6 on a bases-loaded walk-off walk.
Along with forcing home the winning run, Padeway led the team offensively, including two doubles on three hits. Connor Reeves earned the win in relief, pitching three innings and striking out five batters.
The team will travel to Neumann University of Monday, March 19 to take on the Knights. The teams last met on March 9 in Salisbury, with the Sea Gulls earning the 12-5 win. Monday's game is scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m.
