Box Score

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. –  Bradley University came from behind to overtake the Fairfield University baseball team, 7-6, this afternoon at Chain of Lakes Park.
 
Junior Anthony Hajjar drove in three runs for the Stags while Mike Maschi went 2-for-4 with a walk, two RBI, and a run scored. Rookie Billy Zolga went 2-for-4 against the Braves.
 
Bradley (7-7-1) took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning as Rob Elliott scored on an RBI single by Greg Partyka. Fairfield (5-8) answered in the top of the third inning by scoring four runs. Freshman Dean Sadik drew a leadoff walk and the Stags loaded the bases with one out as Larry Cornelia singled and Maschi walked. Hajjar then stepped to the plate and cleared the bases with a double. Hajjar gave Fairfield the 4-1 lead as he scored on a single by Ryan Plourde.
 
The Braves got two of the runs back in the bottom of the fourth inning. Bradley then tied it up in the bottom of the sixth as Paul Solka scored on a wild pitch. A sacrifice fly by Partyka a pitch later gave the Braves the 5-4 lead.
 
The Stags regained the lead in the top of the seventh on an RBI single by Maschi which plated Sal Ciccone. The Braves countered in the bottom half of the inning with a run of their own to take the 6-5 lead. Bradley added an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth on an RBI double by Partyka.
 
In the top of the ninth, pinch hitter Ryan Donovan drew a leadoff walk while pinch hitter Tyler Wosleger followed with another walk. Bradley pitcher Danny Gifford was able to get a groundball he needed for the Braves to turn a double play. With two outs and a runner at third, Maschi singled to pull the Stags within 7-6. Fairfield's rally fell short as Maschi was thrown out trying to steal second base.
                       
Senior Gavin McCullough received the no-decision. He went 3.2 innings allowing three runs on four hits and three walks. Freshman Ian Tresser took the loss, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks in 2.0 innings. Gifford (2-0) picked up the win after going 2.1 innings and allowing one run on one hit and two walks.
 
Elliott went 4-for-4 with a walk, two stolen bases, three runs scored and one batted in for Bradley while Partyka went 2-for-4 with three RBI.
 
Fairfield continues action in Florida on March 13 when it faces Chicago State.