SCHOENHOLTZ DEALS TIGERS INTO NCAA TOURNEY WITH 4-3 WIN OVER LYNCHBURG IN ODAC TITLE GAME

Game Box Score

SALEM, VA (April 24, 2005)—Hampden-Sydney College junior pitcher John Schoenholtz was named 2005 Old Dominion Athletic Conference Most Outstanding Player after pitching his second complete game victory of the tournament in leading the Tigers to a 4-3 win over Lynchburg College in the championship contest.  With the win, the Tigers (24-13) earn the automatic bid into the NCAA tournament. 

Schoenholtz scattered six hits and allowed three runs (two earned) while walking one and striking out seven en route to leading the Tigers’ to their first ODAC title since 1989 and first NCAA appearance since 1991.  Lynchburg’s Matt Gouker was the hard luck loser after working six innings and allowing four runs (one earned) and eight hits while striking out one and walking none. 

Lynchburg took a two-run lead in the top of the first on a two-run double by Lucas Jones that scored Joey Arthur and Steven Scott.  Hampden-Sydney cut the Hornet lead to one run in the bottom of the third when senior second baseman Mike Clark singled to score John Apperson from second base. 

The Tigers then tied the game in the bottom of the fourth on Luke Brankley’s sacrifice fly that scored Tommy Burk.  Tied at two, the Hornets came back with a run in the fifth as Eric O’Brien led off the inning by reaching on an error, moved to third on Josh Walker’s double and then scored on a passed ball to give LC a one run advantage. 

The Tigers scored the two decisive runs in their half seventh as the team loaded the bases before Luke Brankley scored on Chris Padgett’s grounder, while John Apperson scored the game winning run on Jason Bour’s grounder.  Schoenholtz then retired the final six Lynchburg batters in order as he improved to 9-1 on the year, tying Hampden-Sydney’s single season victories record. 

Joining Schoenholtz on the all tournament team were Mike Clark (second base), John Apperson (outfield) and Jason Bour (catcher) from Hampden-Sydney, Shawn Abell (shortstop), Sean Ranson (third base), Lucas Jones (first base), Steven Scott (outfield) and Joey Arthur (outfield) from Lynchburg, and Jordan Wesley (designated hitter) from Washington and Lee.

-www.hsc.edu/athletics-