Steve Sabins had six RBIs for ERAU in their 12-0 win over Union (Ky.)
NAIA No. 8 Eagles Blast Bulldogs, 12-0
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - The final game of day one in the NAIA Baseball National Championship Opening Round in Daytona Beach proved to be a blowout as the No. 1 seeded Embry-Riddle Eagles put 12 runs on the board in a 12-0 win over Union (Ky.) in the day's nightcap. ERAU now stands at 42-16 while Union moves to 39-17 overall.
The Eagles struck early, plating five runs in each of the first two innings to grab an early 10-0. Steve Sabins, playing in his first game at third base in over two weeks had a pair of three-RBI doubles in each the first and second innings for the Blue and Gold.
ERAU sent nine hitters to the dish in the first inning, and 10 hitters in the second inning, tallying eight hits, including three doubles to grab the game from Union early.
Embry-Riddle starter Justin Zinkovich won his 10th game of the year and now stands at 10-2. Zinkovich went 6.2 innings, allowing just four hits and no runs while striking out three Bulldog batters.
Steve Ortman and Spencer Seabourne both made relief appearances for the Eagles, Ortman pitched 1.1 innings with no hits or runs and Seabourne threw the ninth, allowing one hit while fanning two.
It was ERAU's sixth shutout of the season as the Bulldogs managed just five base hits all game and left 10 runners on the base paths.
Union used five pitchers against the Eagles with Matt Modlinski pitching 4.0 innings, allowing one run on three hits with one strikeout.
The Eagles' defense was impressive in the game, making several nice plays after a below-average showing defensively during The Sun Conference Tournament.
Sabins was 2-for-4 with six RBIs and two runs scored, Tyler Robbins finished 2-for-3 with three runs and Matt Tomaszewski went 2-for-4 with three runs batted in and one run scored. 17 of the Eagles' 24-man roster saw action in the game.
Embry-Riddle will take on Rio Grande in the winner's bracket matchup tomorrow at 2 p.m.