SHEPHERD SWEEPS SALEM INTERNATIONAL; CLINCHES WVIAC NORTHERN DIVISION TITLE

SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. -- Shepherd University used a 32-hit attack on the day en route to a 14-5, 9-2 sweep over Salem International University in WVIAC Northern Division baseball action at Fairfax Field on Tuesday. Shepherd clinched the WVIAC Northern Division title with the sweep.

Freshman third baseman Dirk Webb (Hedgesville, WV/Hedgesville HS) went 4-for-5 with three runs scored and three RBIs to pace the Rams in game one. Junior outfielder Joe Cook (Leesburg, VA/Loudoun County HS) went 3-for-5 with three RBIs and two runs scored, while junior second baseman Nicky Brown (Hedgesville, WV/Hedgesville HS/ Potomac State) was 2-for-3 with three RBIs and three runs scored. Junior outfielder Collin Brown (Durham, NC/Southern Durham HS/NC State), junior catcher David Toth (Lexington, KY/Lexington Christian Academy/Potomac State), and freshman outfielder Jerry Jubb (Arnold, MD/ Broadneck HS) each added a pair of hits.

Jeff MacLeod led Salem International with a 2-for-4 effort with three RBIs.

Ram starter Scott McCormick (Stephens City, VA/Sherando HS/Potomac State) improved to 4-2 with relief help from junior Chris Anderson (Middletown, MD/ Middletown HS/ Hagerstown CC). Mike Plaugher took the loss for the Tigers.

Nicky Brown had three hits, while Collin Brown, Joe Cook, David Toth, Jerry Jubb, and sophomore first baseman Steve Kozak (Harpers Ferry, WV/Jefferson HS) each added a pair of hits to lead the Ram attack in the nightcap.

MacLeod went 3-for-3 to lead Salem International.

Ram starter Scott Koscielniak (Severn, MD/Old Mill HS/CCBC-Catonsville) improved to 5-3 with the win, while Nate Younglove suffered the loss for Salem.

Shepherd improves to 18-17, 10-4 in WVIAC action, while Salem International falls to 23-29, 7-8. The Rams return to action on Thursday when they host Bluefield State for a twinbill at noon.

Game One

Shepherd 420 230 3 14 17 0

Salem International 201 000 2 5 7 1

McCormick, Anderson (6) and Toth; Plaugher, Deem (4), Decker (7) and Hamblin.

HR: SU - Webb (1st, two on), N. Brown (5th, one on), Toth (7th, one on) SIU - MacLeod (1st, one on)

WP: McCormick (4-2)

LP: Plaugher

Game Two

Shepherd 231 000 3 9 15 0

Salem International 000 011 0 2 8 1

Koscielniak, Coder (7) and Toth, Noll (7); Younglove, Schueneman (7) and Budai.

HR: SU - N. Brown (2nd, two on), C. Brown (7th, solo) SIU - P. McDonald (6th, solo)

WP: Koscielniak (5-3)

LP: Younglove