Sport in world

Purple takes lead in World Series

October 11, 2007 on 9:40 pm | In Athletics |

MACOMB, Ill. - Senior shortstop Kyle Surprenant’s two-run home run in the fourth inning proved to be the deciding factor in the Purple Team’s 3-2 victory over the Gold squad Friday afternoon at Alfred D. Boyer Stadium.

The win gave the Purple team a 2-1 lead in this best of five series, which is set to conclude this weekend.

Surprenant’s home run followed a two-out walk drawn by junior third baseman Tyler Metcalf, giving the Purple team a lead that they would not surrender for the remainder of the game.

“Ever since last year’s Mid-Con Tournament, (Kyle) has been playing at a different level,” Head Coach Stan Hyman said. “Today is another instance of where he came through in the clutch.”

Senior designated hitter T.J. Kistner’s RBI ground out, which scored senior outfielder Ryan Wurmlinger, who reached on a bunt single, in the top of the fifth, proved to be the deciding run.

Sophomore infielder Dan Johnson’s two RBI ground outs for the Gold team in the first and fourth innings plated junior catcher Cooper Stewart. Both times Stewart reached base with a triple in the right center field gap.

For the Purple squad, junior infielder Lorenzo Gallaga was 2-4, Wurmlinger was 2-3 and Metcalf was 1-2 with a double and a walk.

The Gold team was led by Stewart, who went 3-4 and senior first baseman James Bina, who was 2-3.

Junior pitcher Eric Eden picked up his second win of the series for the Purple team, going three innings, surrendering one run on three hits. Freshman hurler Jimmy LaPlume and senior righty Bryan Faulds combined with senior lefty Justin Eissens out of the bullpen. Eissens picked up the save, with two innings of scoreless relief.

Senior Mark DiBernardo (1-1) pitched four strong innings for the Gold team, yielding only two runs on three hits. Senior reliever Todd Nelson pitched 2 2/3 innings of three-hit, one run ball.

“This was a terrific ball game,” Hyman said. “The pitching was tremendous on both sides. (Eric) Eden and (Mark) DiBernardo showed again why they will be the workhorses of the staff.”

The series will continue Saturday with Game Four, beginning at 1 p.m. at Alfred D. Boyer Stadium. Game Five will be played Sunday at 1 p.m., regardless of the Game Four outcome.
Originaly from Source