Baseball | 3/2/2009 12:55:35 AM

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PHOENIX, AZ – The RIT Tigers kicked off their spring trip to Phoenix, AZ by picking up their first victory of the season, defeating Concordia (IL) 10-9 in the nine-inning contest Sunday afternoon.

Concordia drew first blood, plating two runs in the top of the first off of a two-run homer by designated hitter Phil Seris. RIT quickly answered in the bottom of the second, scoring three runs from timely singles by Justin Smith (Livonia, NY/Livonia) (Livonia, NY/Livonia), and Anthony Culotta (Rochester, NY/Gates-Chili) (Rochester, NY/Gates-Chili). The Tigers increased their lead with one run in the third, and three runs in the fourth, lighting the scoreboard to 7-2. RIT scored three more in the bottom of the seventh with an RBI double by Matt Austin (Weedsport, NY/Weedsport) (Weedsport, NY/Weedsport), who scored Jeff Creagh (Binghamton, NY/Chenango Forks) (Binghamton, NY/Chenango Forks). Smith then walked, giving RIT runners on first and second with two outs. After a double-steal by Austin and Smith, Culotta plated both runners with a clutch single up the middle, setting the score at 10-4.

Concordia fought back, plating one in the top of the seventh, four in the top of the eighth, and one in the top of the ninth. The Tigers were able to stave off the attack thanks to key defensive plays and a well-fought battle on the mound.

Sophomore Mike Marsillo (Scottsdale, AZ/Desert Mountain) (Scottsdale, AZ/Desert Mountain) picked up the win for the Tigers, pitching six innings, allowing three runs on five hits and striking out six. Freshman Brad Wright (Baldswinville, NY/C.W. Baker) (Baldwinsville, NY/C.W. Baker) picked up the save in his first collegiate appearance, striking out two batters in one-and-one-third innings.

Sophomore Dave Kernan (North Syracuse, NY/Cicero-North Syracuse) (Liverpool, NY/Cicero-North Syracuse) hit his first home run of the season (fourth of his career), while Creagh recorded his first collegiate hits, belting a triple and a double in the contest. The Tigers scored ten runs on fifteen hits, including five extra-base hits, and four runs coming with two-outs.

The Tigers are now 1-0 heading into Monday's doubleheader versus Wartburg (IA) in Phoenix, AZ.