Baseball drops 9-6 decision to McMaster

ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - The Brock University baseball team (9-6 OUA) dropped a 9-6 decision to the McMaster Marauders at Community Park Sunday afternoon. The Badgers remain in the hunt for the final playoff spot in the OUA needing one victory in their final three games.  Western, McMaster and Laurier have already clinched playoff berths.

Despite allowing just one hit over four innings of work, Brock starter Jason Champ (London, Ont.) struggled finding the strike zone allowing six walks while the Marauders capitalized scoring six runs over four innings to lead 6-0. The Badgers defense did not help the cause as they recorded six errors in the game.

McMaster starter Matt Piccini went seven strong innings allowing two runs on five hits while striking out five. In relief, brother Chris Piccini recorded the save getting the Badgers out 1-2-3 in the bottom of the ninth.

Chris Piccini also contributed on the offensive side going 1-for-4 with two RBI. Baron-Clough also collected one hit while driving in two runs for the Marauders.

Leading the Badgers offense was Mitch Peragine (Hamilton, Ont.) who was 3-for-4 with two runs scored. Rookie Bill Steven (Fonthill, Ont.) went 2-for-4 with a career high three RBI which included a three run double in the bottom of the 8th. Junior Casey Burnie (Peterborough, Ont.) also drove in two runs while going 1-for-4.

The Badgers host the University of Toronto Varsity Blues Monday, October 5th at 6pm at Community Park in a battle for the final playoff spot. Tuesday night Brock travels to London to take on the Western Mustangs in a makeup doubleheader to end the regular season.