April 7, 2009
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The Irish played the South Bend Silver Hawks in the second annual Battle of the Bend in an exhibition game to benefit Niemann-Pick Type C disease research. The Silver Hawks prevailed in the seven-inning contest at Coveleski Stadium, 5-1. Notre Dame’s lone hit and RBI came off the bat of David Casey.
The Irish jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first when Casey, a sophomore, singled to right field to drive in Golden Tate, who reached on an error to lead off the game. The Silver Hawks answered with four runs in the bottom of the first versus sophomore Todd Miller, who started the game for the Irish. He was charged with two earned runs in the inning. The last run of the game was scored in the bottom of the third when the Silver Hawks pushed the score to 5-1 with Notre Dame freshman Steve Sabatino on the mound.
The Irish bullpen recorded five innings of scoreless relief throughout the evening, led by freshman Ryan Richter, who pitched a scoreless second. He allowed a hit but faced the minimum, as his defense was able to turn a double play. Junior Andrew Scheid added a scoreless fourth, sitting the Silver hawks down in order. Senior Sam Elam gave up a hit but kept the Irish within four runs as he added a scoreless fifth.
In the sixth, freshman Will Hudgins got two quick outs before allowing a hit and a walk. With two runners on, Hudgins induced a chopper up the middle that sophomore shortstop Mick Doyle fired home to catcher Matt Scioscia. Scioscia was able to hold on and tag out the Silver Hawks’ runner, who was attempting to score from second on the pay, for the third out of the inning. In the bottom of the seventh, junior Steven Mazur also pitched a scoreless inning of relief for Notre Dame.
The Irish (19-10, 5-4 BIG EAST) return to the diamond on Thursday, April 9 when they start a three-game road series at BIG EAST rival Cincinnati (14-14, 3-6 BIG EAST). First pitch versus the Bearcats is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
— ND —