Box Score Box Score

MESA, Ariz. (SabreAthletics.com) – The Sabres once again displayed a solid effort on the mound and received timely hits as well, but UW-La Crosse proved to be too strong down the stretch as an eighth inning run was the difference in an 8-7 win over the Marian University baseball team at Gene Autry Park this afternoon, March 14.
 
Marian pushed across the first two runs of the game to take an early lead in the top of the third, but five unanswered tallies erased the advantage and La Crosse gained the momentum. The Sabres would battle back a number of times, tying the game four times before the Eagles broke the tie when Garret Novinski stole third and then advanced to home on a throw to third that got away.
 
UW-La Crosse improved to 5-2 on the young season, while the Sabres dropped their fourth straight to fall to 2-4.
 
Jake Schaffhauser pitched well in relief of Sam Forkert, but suffered the loss in his first decision of the year. UW-L's Skyler Debilzen got the win in relief, while Tim Verthein recorded the save with a shaky ninth inning.
 
In the ninth, Marian put the tying run in scoring position in the form of Kent Lentz, who pinch ran for Phil Seis after he recorded his first base hit of the season. Lentz stole second base with one, but Verthein was able to retire Will Martin on strikes before getting Anthony Porcaro to ground out to second to end the game.
 
Matt Schroeder led the Sabres with a 3-for-4 effort at the plate with two runs scored and an RBI double in the sixth that tied the game at 5-5. Jace Unrein went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and a two RBI's, including a two-run single in the third that gave the Sabres their only lead of the game at 2-0.
 
Marian and La Crosse both tallied 11 hits in the contest, but the Eagles proved to be the cleaner team defensively. Four more Sabre miscues on the defensive side led to six unearned runs for their opponent.
 
Sam Forkert went six strong innings in his second start of the year, allowing seven runs (2 earned) on nine hits, while striking out three and walking four.
 
The Sabres will return to action tomorrow, March 15, in an 11 a.m. local time, 1 p.m. central time start against Dordt College of Iowa. Live stats are available via sabreathletics.com.