Sophomore pitcher Chris Schmaltz started the day with a six-hit shutout, followed by a two-hit blanking by freshman Andy Weeks to lead Wabash to 2-0 and 13-0 wins over Monmouth College Monday afternoon in Arizona.
Schmaltz mixed in six strikeouts while spreading out six hits in his seven innings of work. Only two batters reached second base in the contest. But while Schmaltz kept the Fighting Scots' bats in check, the Little Giants were unable to mount any strong offensive effort.
Wabash was held to four hits in the contest, but took advantage of Monmouth mistakes. With runners on first and third in the third inning, the Scots tried to throw behind the Mike Nowak at first base. The throw sailed down the right field line, allowing David Culp to score from third for the game-winning run. An inning later Jake Thomas ripped a two-out triple to right center, but appeared to be stranded when Scott Hamilton grounded back to the pitcher. Hamilton raced down the line, reaching first safely when a late toss by the pitcher was dropped by the Scots' first baseman, allowing Thomas to score. The two runs were enough for Schmaltz to pick up his first victory of the season.
Weeks went one better, giving up a hit in the first, a walk in the fifth, and a final hit in the seventh inning. Two other Monmouth players reached on an error and a fielder's choice for the only base runners in the contest. Weeks kept the Scots guessing all game long, striking out seven in seven innings.
The Little Giants had no problem offensively in game two. A Jared Bogan double scored Culp in the first inning, one of three hits in three at-bats and two RBIs for Bogan. He brought Culp home again in the second inning with an RBI single to put Wabash up 2-0.
A two-run double by Phil Ramos led to a three-run fifth for Wabash. The Little Giants blew it open in the sixth inning with a two-run triple by Shaun Rico. Matt Dodaro plated Rico with a double to right, then scored himself on a single by Justin Vander Iest. Singles by Thomas and JT Moore loaded the bases for Billy King, who blasted a pitch over the left center field wall for a grand slam.
Wabash (3-1) continues its week of games in Arizona Tuesday with two games against Wartburg College at Snedigar Stadium in Chandler, Arizona.