Friday, March 03, 2006

 Johnson City, Tenn. (March 3, 2006) - First baseman Chris Joachim paced a potent St. John's offensive attack with four hits and four RBI as the Red Storm downed ETSU 15-1 in the opening game of the two club's weekend series Friday afternoon at Cardinal Park.

The Bucs (7-6) took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning on catcher Justin Aughey's (Davie, Fla.) second home run of the season, a mammoth blast to left off St. John's starter Nick Luisi, but it was all Red Storm after that, as St. John's scored 15 runs over the next five innings, capping the offensive showcase with a six run seventh.

Joachim tied the game in the third with a one-out single to center field, plating second baseman Sam DeLuca from second.  After stealing second, Joachim gave St. John's the lead for good, scoring on right fielder Chris Anninos' double down the left field line.

Junior Ryan Howe (Spartanburg, S.C.) absorbed the loss for the Bucs, falling to 1-1 on the season.  Howe went four innings, giving up four runs (three earned) on five hits, while striking out five.  Luisi (2-1) picked up the win for the Red Storm, pitching six innings and scattering five hits.

The two teams continue the series Saturday evening at Cardinal Park. First pitch is set for 6 p.m.