Emory University scored three runs in its last at bat, including two on a two-out double from freshman Ben Vizvary, to back a solid pitching effort from freshman Paul Merolla, as the Eagles came from behind to defeat Methodist University 3-1 at Chappell Park on Saturday afternoon.
Merolla carried a no-hitter into the top of the sixth inning before allowing a single to Cody Molosky. Methodist would score its only run over the game in the inning, taking a one-run lead, but strand runners at second and third to end the frame. Merolla allowed just one more hit over the next two innings, keeping the deficit at just a run.
Emory would mount its offensive rally in the bottom of the eighth. After a single from Jared Kahn and a walk to Daniel Iturrey put runners at second and third with two outs, freshman Chris Slivka tied the game with an RBI single. A wild pitch moved Iturrey and Slivka up to second and third, and Vizvary followed with a two-RBI double to give Emory its first lead of the game, 3-1.
Vizvary, who went two-for-four in the game, is now five-for-seven with four RBIs in his last two games.
With a two-run lead, the Eagles turned to Graham Bloomsmith in the ninth, and the sophomore promptly shut the door on the Monarchs, striking out the side in the inning to pick up his fourth save of the season.
Merolla earned the win, allowing just the one run on three hits and three walks, while striking out three batters. He improved to a team-best 5-1 this season, and lowered his ERA to 3.40.
Iturrey added a pair of singles for the Eagles as part the team's nine-hit offensive attack.
The win gave the Eagles their fourth-straight win, matching the team's season-long winning streak. In addition, it was Emory's seventh win in its last eight contests, as the squad improved to 20-14, assuring itself a winning record with five games left to play this season.
It was also Emory's 300th win all-time at Chappell Park, as the team improved to 300-102-1 at home since the park opened in the 1995 season. Mr. Robert Chappell, who the field was named after, was on-hand for the Eagles' victory on Saturday.
Methodist dropped to 21-20 for the season with the loss, the team's second-straight after winning the USA South Tournament last weekend. Josh Ayers (4-2) took the loss for the Monarchs, allowing three runs in an inning of relief, after starter Michael Inman shut Emory out on six hits and a walk over seven innings.
Emory and Methodist will wrap-up their two-game series at Chappell Park on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 PM. Sunday's game will also be 'Youth Day' at Chappell Park, with free food and prizes, an opportunity to get player autographs, and a chance to run the bases after the game for young fans in attendance.