TULSA –- Oral Roberts University scored a season-high 16 runs
and
Michael Jarman (4-1) threw a one-hitter in eight
innings pitched as the Golden Eagles defeated BYU, 16-1, Friday
night at J.L. Johnson Stadium.
Brian Van Kirk led the offensive onslaught, going
4-for-5 with two home runs and a career-high five RBI. Kelly
Minissale also added three RBI for the Golden Eagles as eight
different ORU batters recorded at least one RBI.
Van Kirk hit an opposite field two-run home run in the first inning
to give the Golden Eagles (15-6) an early lead over the Cougars
(12-14).
Juan Martinez then added a run-scoring double to
right field in the third inning as ORU led 3-0 after two
innings.
In the third inning, the Golden Eagles erupted with 10 runs for a
13-0 lead.
Michael Notaro knocked in the first run of the
inning with a double down the left field line. David
Genao,
Ryan Groth and Juan
Martinez followed by adding RBI hits, but the real damage were
done by Minissale and Van Kirk. Minissale hit a base-clearing
double down the left field line to score three runs and Van Kirk
added a towering three-run home run.
It was Van Kirk's third and fourth home runs of the year and the
senior's first multi-home run game of his ORU career.
The Golden Eagles added another run in the fourth inning on a
defensive error by BYU's shortstop, and scored their 15th run in
the sixth when
Colby Price knocked in a run on a sacrifice
fly.
Jarman provided a much-needed pitching performance for the Golden
Eagles as the left-hander hurler had a no-hitter entering the sixth
inning.
The senior only allowed one base runner in the first five innings
until the sixth when BYU's Michael Bowen drew a walk. The Cougars
finally broke the no-hit effort in their next at-bat when Sean
McNaughton doubled to left field. Bowen scored on a passed ball as
the Cougars made it 15-1.
Pat Murray added his second home run of the year
in the eighth with a solo shot over the right field fence, giving
ORU a 16-1 advantage.
BYU's Sean Amerson (0-2) started the game and allowed nine runs
– eight earned – in 2.1 innings of work.
Nine different Golden Eagles recorded a hit as ORU finished the
night with 16 hits. Van Kirk, Genao, Groth and Martinez all
multi-hit performances.
ORU and BYU conclude their three-game series on Saturday with a 2
p.m. first pitch.
--ORU--
