Coker Scores 22 Runs in Win Over St. Andrews

HARTSVILLE, S.C. – The Coker University baseball team exploded for 22 runs on their way to defeating St. Andrews on Tuesday (Feb. 4). The Cobras came into Tuesday's game taking two out of three against Chowan University over the weekend.

After jumping out to an early 1-0 lead in the first inning when Phill Griffor scored on a wild pitch, the Cobras were able to break the game open in the bottom half of the second, scoring six runs on four hits. Casey Demko got things started with an RBI double, and then Griffor cleared the bases with a double of his own, stretching the lead to 5-0.

The bottom half of the third inning was when the Cobras' offense put their stamp on the game. The Cobras were able to bat around, scoring 10 runs on eight hits. After Demko, Grant Thompson, and Griffor were able to reach base, Vito Castronovo brought them all home by hitting a grand slam. Later in the inning, Griffor launched his first home run of the young season to grow the Coker lead to 17-0.

Justin Bennett led off the bottom half of the fourth with a leadoff homer, and Jonathan Barham's homer marked the third of the day for the Cobras, as they went on to win by a score of 22-5.

Michael DeLeo had a good start on the mound for the Cobras, pitching five innings while only giving up two earned runs, striking out four. Phill Griffor led the Cobras with six RBI's on three hits, including a home run. Vito Castronovo had three hits, including his grand slam in the third inning.

McDonald's Player of the Game: Phill Griffor.

The Cobras will be back in action this weekend as they host Alderson Broaddus in doubleheaders on Saturday and Sunday (Feb. 8 – Feb. 9). First pitch on Saturday is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. Live stats can be found at www.cokercobras.com.