SHEPHERD SMACKS 18 HITS IN 11-7 WIN

SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- Shepherd University pounded out 18 hits en route to an 11-7 win over St. Thomas Aquinas College in baseball action at the USC-Upstate Invitational. The Rams improve to 2-3 with the win, while St. Thomas Aquinas fell to 0-1.

Junior outfielder Collin Brown (Durham, NC/Southern Durham HS/NC State) and sophomore first baseman Steve Kozak (Harpers Ferry, WV/Jefferson HS) each went 2-for-5 with a pair of RBI. Junior outfielder Joe Cook (Leesburg, VA/Loudoun County HS) posted a 3-for-5 effort at the plate, while junior catcher David Toth (Lexington, KY/Lexington Christian Academy/Potomac State) and junior second baseman Nicky Brown (Hedgesville, WV/Hedgesville HS/ Potomac State) each added a pair of hits. Sophomore catcher Matt Noll (Charles Town, WV/Jefferson HS) belted a three-run double to highlight a seven-run seventh inning for the Rams.

Rams reliever Austin Bowie (Paeonian Springs, VA/ Loudoun Valley HS) (1-0) picked up the win for the Rams. Ram starter Tony Magnanelli (Frederick, MD/Frederick HS) went six innings and recorded nine strikeouts. Spartan reliever Steve Hagan (0-1) suffered the loss.

Shepherd will return to action on Saturday when they take on Bentley at 5:00 p.m. in second day invitational action.

St. Thomas Aquinas 010 030 102 7 10 1

Shepherd 100 120 70X 11 18 3

Magnanelli, Bowie (7), Mumaw (9) and Toth; Pasch, Hagan (5) and Bainer.

HR: none.

WP: Bowie (1-0)

LP: Hagan (0-1)