Box Score Emory University sophomore Connor Dillman pitched eight strong innings, and junior catcher Jared Welch gave the team a lead for good with a bases-loaded two-out triple in the fifth inning, as the Eagles defeated Case Western Reserve University 6-2 in their final game of the 2013 University Athletic Association (UAA) Championship in Sanford, Florda.
Emory finished UAA play with a 4-4 record, bouncing back from a 0-3 start with four wins in the team's final five contests at the tournament. With two other conference games remaining this weekend, the Eagles have locked themselves into a third-place finish with the win. Emory improved to 10-9 for the season.
The Eagles took a 1-0 lead in the first inning on a two-out RBI single from freshman Ben Vizvary, but Case answered back with a two-run fourth inning off Dillman, taking a 2-1 advantage. However, Dillman would lock down the Spartans from that point forward, finishing the game with just the two runs allowed on five hits and two walks, while striking out four.
Welch's fifth inning double was the clear turning point in the game for the Eagles offensively. With two outs in the inning and the bases loaded, Welch drove a 3-2 pitch over the head of the Case centerfielder, scoring all three runners, who were moving on the pitch. The junior catcher finished the game two-for-two with three RBIs, a double, a triple, two runs scored, and two walks.
Emory added on two runs in the seventh, when Wes Peacock scored on a wild pitch, and Daniel Iturrey picked up an RBI double. Peacock also doubled in the game, extending his hitting streak to 14 contests.
Case would put two runners on base with no outs in the ninth, but reliever Graham Bloomsmith would end the threat with a fly out and a 1-6-3 double play.
Dillman earned his first win of the season, improving to 1-2 on the year, and lowered his ERA to 3.07.
Case dropped to 7-4 on the season and finished the UAA week with a 5-3 mark. The loss by Case allowed Washington University (Mo.) to clinch at least a share of the UAA Championship. Washington can win the title outright with a victory over Rochester on Sunday.
The Eagles will return home to host a doubleheader against LaGrange College on Saturday, March 23rd, starting at 12:00 PM.
