Etta Express falls to Southwestern 17-1
Marietta wraps up Abilene Classic with host McMurry later today

March 12, 2008
ABILENE, Texas — The Marietta College baseball team continued its early-season struggles Wednesday (March 12) afternoon as it fell 17-1 to Southwestern (Texas) University at Walt Driggers Field on the campus of McMurry University. The Pioneers fell to 2-6, while the Pirates improved to 8-11.

The Etta Express finished with one run on six hits, two by senior Tony Piconke (Clinton Township, Mich./Clintondale) and two by senior Dom Winters (Washington, Pa.). Marietta also committed four errors and left eight on base.

Southwestern pounded out 17 runs on 17 hits and overcame three errors. Richard Falcone was a perfect 4-for-4 with two runs scored and four RBI. Both John Wooten and Blake Williams added three hits in the win.

Marietta’s lone run came in the third and tied the game at 1-1. Piconke singled with two outs. He then stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error. Piconke then scored when junior Cameron Cimino (Boardman) reached on an error.

The Pirates regained the lead in the bottom half of the inning and never looked back en route to the 17-1 victory.

Junior Justin Merryman (New Philadelphia) got the start and took the loss. He allowed six runs (three earned) on seven hits while walking one and striking out two in 3 2/3 innings. Freshman Mark Williams (Fayetteville) worked the middle 1 2/3 innings and was charged with five runs on three hits. He struck out two and walked one. Sophomore Mark Jackson (Warren/Champion) closed the game. He gave up six runs (four earned) on seven hits and walked one in 2 2/3 frames.

Erik Gonzalez limited the Etta Express to one unearned run on six hits and struck out two in six innings to get the win and improve to 2-2. Kyle Belski and Matt Gruetzner helped secure the victory with three scoreless innings of work.

Marietta will attempt to snap its three-game losing streak when it takes on host McMurry University at 4 p.m. The action can be heard live in Marietta on WMOA-AM 1490 and over the Internet at http://pioneers.marietta.edu/onlinebroadcasts.html.