WALTHAM, Mass. – The Brandeis University baseball team used a monumental fifth inning, batting around twice and scoring 15 runs, as the Judges defeated visiting Framingham State University, 21-11, on Stein Diamond. The win was the highest scoring output for the Judges under head coach Derek Carlson '91, and the team's best offensive showing since 2007. Brandeis improves to 9-3 on the season, avenging a sweep from earlier in the weekend, while FSU falls to 7-8.
Brandeis owned a 6-3 lead headed into the fifth, thanks to run-producing doubles by sophomore Steven Simon (Hanover, Mass./Hanover) and Drew Michaud (Madison, Conn./Xavier) in the second and senior Dan Frey (Ipswich, Mass./St. John's Prep) in the fourth. FSU's three runs came on a two-run double by Robert Johnston, who scored later in the inning on an errant throw on a stolen base attempt.
In the big fifth, Brandeis sent 19 batters to the plate to score their 15 runs. They reached base on 10 hits, four FSU errors and two walks. Michaud drove in three runs on two singles in the frame, while senior Mike Khoury (E. Bridgewater, Mass./E. Bridgewater) and sophomore Sam Nugent (Mansfield, Mass./Mansfield) each had two hits that included an RBI double in the inning.
Despite their large deficit, Framingham State kept battling, scoring five runs in the seventh on just two hits, but drawing five walks and getting hit by pitches twice. Robert Higgins was responsible for three runs in the frame, driving in two with a single and scoring on a wild pitch. Ryan Boyle led off the eighth with a home run, and the Rams scored two more on an RBI single by JC Espinal, but the hole was too big for them to climb out of.
In all, Brandeis rapped out a season-high 18 hits from 10 different players. Michaud led the way, going 4-for-4 with a career-high five RBI, three runs scored, a stolen base and a double. Sophomore Brian King (Palos Verde, Calif./Palos Verde) was 3-for-4 with three runs and an RBI, while Simon was 2-for-3 with two RBI, three runs scored and a double. FSU had two multiple hitters in Johnston and Espinal, who also had two RBI apiece, as did Higgins.
Brandeis graduate student Josh Garber (Bedford, Mass./Lawrence Academy) earned the win on the hill, going five innings and allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits, two walks and a strikeout. He improves to 2-0 on the season. Josh Jezouit suffered the loss after giving up six hits and six runs (four earned) in four innings. He struck out six and walked two, falling to 0-3 on the campaign.
Brandeis returns to action this Wednesday afternoon when they play host to Anna Maria College at 3:30 p.m. No spectators will be permitted at the game, which will be broadcast on www.brandeisjudges.com.