Faulkner’s Vasquez mows down Rams in 3-1 SSAC victory

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (faulknereagles.com) – Faulkner senior right-hander Mark Vasquez struck out 10 and didn’t allow hit past the third inning to lift the third-ranked Eagles to a 3-1 victory over Mobile here Friday night in the opener of their Southern States Athletic Conference series at Harrison Field.

Vasquez stayed perfect, winning his ninth decision of the season against no losses. He allowed an unearned run in the third, but completely shut down the Mobile bats the rest of the way. The Eagles took the lead for good with a two-run third inning, scoring on a wild pitch and on a Darrius Jennings sacrifice. T.J. Condon’s home run in the sixth provided some insurance and closed out the scoring.

Faulkner, which got five hits in the game, improved to 39-11 overall and 19-3 in the SSAC, while Mobile fell to 29-18 overall and 14-8 in the league. Rams’ starter Garrett Waters went the distance but took the loss, dropping to 9-4 on the year.

“That’s what Mark has done for us all season,” said Faulkner head coach Patrick McCarthy, whose team found out earlier in the day it would be hosting an NAIA Baseball Championship Opening Round site. “He was phenomenal, and we were able to give him just enough support. Mobile has a really good baseball team, and it took Mark’s best to get the job done.”

Mobile grabbed the lead in the top of the third. With two outs and nobody on, J.T. Peddrick bounced a ball in front of the plate that Vasquez threw away at first, allowing the Mobile left-fielder to advance to second. Chris Hopballe then looped a single to left to put the Rams on top 1-0. Faulkner answered right back, when base hits by Dennis Morton and Onix Martinez sandwiched a misplayed grounder off the bat of Nick Cain to load the bases with no outs. A wild pitch from Waters allowed the tying run to score, and Jennings’ sacrifice fly gave the Eagles a 2-1 advantage after three innings.

The Rams threatened in the top of the sixth, but with runners at second and third Vasquez struck out Norberto Torres to end the threat. Condon then provided his blast in the Eagles’ half to extend the lead to two runs.

Faulkner and Mobile complete the series with a doubleheader Saturday afternoon at 1. Game 1 will be preceded by Senior Day festivities honoring the 12 Faulkner players who will complete their collegiate careers this season. The ceremony will begin at 12:15 at Harrison Field.