April 16, 2006
NEW YORK, N.Y. - With Columbia scoring only two runs in 16 innings of play, Princeton was able to pull off the weekend sweep, defeating the Lions 8-0 and 11-2.
The Tigers took a 2-0 lead in the top of the second inning, scoring on two hits and two Columbia errors. Princeton jumped ahead by four more runs (6-0) in the top of the fifth inning, combining for three hits. The Tigers made it an 8-0 game in the top of the sixth inning, scoring two runs on three hits.
Senior Nick Oleksak (1-3) took the loss for the Lions, pitching four and two thirds innings, allowing five hits and six runs (four earned). Junior Craig Rodwogin and first-years Jake Summerhays and Brett Joss accounted for the three Columbia hits, with each having a single.
Princeton started out the second game with a 3-0 lead, scoring the three runs off of one hit and two wild pitches. The Lions got on the board in the second inning, scoring one run. With one out, sophomore Henry Perkins singled up the middle and then moved over to third as the Princeton pitcher tried to pick him off but threw the ball over first base. Sophomore Noah Cooper hit him in with a triple blasted down the right field line to make the score 3-1.
The Tigers, however, matched the run in the top of the third, pushing one across with a triple of their own to make the score 4-1. Neither team scored until the seventh inning, when Princeton went up 6-1, scoring two runs on two hits. The Lions answered with a run of their own in the bottom half of the inning to make the score 6-2. Perkins doubled to right centerfield to start the inning and then Cooper traded places, doubling Perkins home.
Princeton put the game out of the Lions' reach in the final two innings, scoring five more runs to win the game 11-2.
Junior Daniel Bajger (0-3) was handed the loss, throwing seven innings, allowing nine hits and six runs while striking out six batters. Cooper finished the game going 3-for-4 at the plate, hitting in both Columbia runs, one on a triple and one on a single.
The Lions take on Fordham on Wednesday, April 19 in the Bronx, N.Y. Game time is 7 p.m.
