SHEPHERD SWEEPS SALEM INTERNATIONAL

SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. -- Shepherd University swept Salem International in WVIAC baseball action at Fairfax Field on Saturday. The Rams pounded out 19 hits en route to a 15-4 win in game one and earned the sweep with a 3-0 triumph in the nightcap.

Junior outfielder Collin Brown (Durham, NC/Southern Durham HS/NC State), junior outfielder Joe Cook (Leesburg, VA/Loudoun County HS), sophomore catcher/designated hitter Matt Noll (Charles Town, WV/Jefferson HS), and junior outfielder Ryan Harju (Purcellville, VA/Loudoun Valley HS/Hagerstown CC) had three hits apiece to lead the Ram attack in game one. Brown and Harju also drove in three runs each. Junior third baseman Nicky Brown (Hedgesville, WV/Hedgesville HS/ Potomac State) added a 2-for-4 effort, while freshman second baseman Josh Bowers (Williamsport, MD/ Williamsport HS) was 2-for-3 with three runs scored and a pair of RBI.

Jeff MacLeod and Beau Hamblin each had home runs and a pair of hits to lead the Tigers.

Junior pitcher Tony Magnanelli (Frederick, MD/Frederick HS) went six innings to gain his first win of the year. Collin Brown set the Tigers down in order in the seventh in his first action on the mound this year. Salem starter Nate Younglove suffered the loss.

Junior pitcher Scott McCormick (Stephens City, VA/Sherando HS/Potomac State) scattered four hits in a shutout effort for the Rams in the nightcap. He fanned five, while walking only two. Tiger starter Mike Plaugher recorded four strikeouts in a losing effort for Salem.

Collin Brown and Nicky Brown each had a pair of hits to pace the Rams in game two.

Brown scored the game's first run in the fifth inning when he reached base on a hit-by-pitch and later scored when junior shortstop Ryan Brady (McSherrystown, PA/Delone Catholic HS/Hagerstown CC) was hit-by-pitch with the bases loaded. The Rams added a pair of insurance runs in the sixth when Josh Bowers singled and freshman first baseman Phillip Powell (Hagerstown, MD/South Hagerstown HS) followed with a two-run blast to left field.

Adam Montgomery went 2-for-3 to pace the Tigers in the nightcap.

Shepherd improves to 6-6 overall, 2-0 in conference action, while Salem International drops to 8-17, 0-2 The two teams return to action on Sunday with single game action beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Fairfax Field.

Game One

Salem International 200 002 0 4 6 1

Shepherd 050 172 X 15 19 0

Magnanelli, C. Brown (7) and Toth; Younglove, Martinez (4), Milnes (5), Nutt (6) and Hamblin.

HR: SIU- MacLeod (1st, solo), Hamblin (6th, one on) SU - Harju (5th, one on)

WP: Magnanelli (1-2)

LP: Younglove

Game Two

Salem International 000 000 0 0 4 0

Shepherd 000 012 X 3 8 1

McCormick and Noll; Plaugher, Schueneman and Hamblin.

HR: SU - Powell (6th, one on)

WP: McCormick (2-1)

LP: Plaugher