NEWPORT NEWS, VA (February 17, 2005)—Hampden-Sydney’s baseball team opened the 2005 season in impressive fashion Thursday as the Tigers (1-0) rolled to an 11-1 victory over Christopher Newport University (2-1).  Tiger junior Jayson Hanky (Richmond, VA/Benedictine) pitched five strong innings and allowed just three hits and one earned run in picking up the Tigers first win of the season. 

Hanky pitched the first five innings, allowing just a solo homer to CNU’s Jason Moody in the second inning, while he walked four and struck out three in delivering his fourth straight victory dating back to 2004.  Junior Mike Hall (Leonardtown, MD/St. Mary-Ryken) pitched three innings of relief and allowed just one hit, while freshman Brock Ward (Lanexa, VA/New Kent) pitched the ninth to close things out for the Tiger pitching staff. 

Sophomore right fielder John Apperson (Lynchburg, VA/Heritage) led the Tiger offensive assault as he went 3-for-6 with a solo homer in the first inning and drove in three runs.  Meanwhile, junior shortstop Jay Lilley (Chesapeake, VA/Western Branch) went 2-for-4 and scored three runs as he led a quartet of Tigers with two hits, including freshman catcher Jason Bour (Centerville, VA/Westfield) who drove in two runs with his two hits, while junior first baseman Tommy Burk (Leesburg, VA/Loudon County) and sophomore left fielder Brett Delk (Columbia, MS/Caledonia) each had a pair of hits and drove in a run. 

Hampden-Sydney returns to action Saturday, February 19, as the team hosts the inaugural H-SC Spring Baseball Tournament.  The Tigers open action in the tournament with a 10 am contest versus Eastern College.