MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - - Nick Nocella provided the Wilmington University team the first six runs and Matt Warrington shut Franklin Pierce down, 12-1, in the final game at the Ripken Experience on Sunday afternoon played at Crosley Field.
Nick Nocella hit two homers, including a grand slam, and finished with six RBI which was more than enough for Matt Warrington who tossed seven scoreless innings in his first start of the season. The Wildcats wrapped up its opening weekend of play, 3-1, playing all four games against regionally ranked opponents.
It didn't take long for Nocella to leave his mark on the game, taking a 0-1 pitch to left center. The Wildcat knew it right away and the Wildcats were up 4-0 after the first inning. Nic Hertzfeld and JJ Killen singled in the inning as well.
Tyler Pirrung started the third inning with a single and stolen base and then Nick Nocella collected his fifth RBI of the game with a two-out RBI single into right. Nocella was at it again in the bottom of the fifth inning, hitting a two-out solo shot to left field for his second homer of the game and sixth RBI. The Wildcats were leading 6-0.
Another 1-2-3 inning on the mound by Warrington brought the Wildcats back to the plate in the sixth and the offense put the game away.
Nick Classie singled to load the bases with no outs. Nic Hertzfeld and Tyler Pirrung walked to force in runs and then JJ Killen singled up the middle to plate two more, making it a 10-0 game.
Matt Warrington induced a popup to leave runners on first and second in the seventh, ending his outing without allowing a run.
JJ Killen added a two-out, two-run single into right center in the bottom of the seventh, giving him four RBI as well.
Franklin Pierce (4-1) scored in the top of the eighth, but Tyler Brown did well to work out of his own jam and only allow the one run to score. Steven Mann pitched a scoreless ninth, inducing a game-ending double play to win, 12-1.
Nick Nocella finished 3-for-5 with six RBI while JJ Killen went 3-for-5 with four RBI. Nic Hertzfeld went 2-for-4 with a walk and three runs scored.
Matt Warrington earned the win by going seven strong, striking out seven and only allowing two walks and six hits.
The Wildcats are off until March 6 when they travel to Florida for their annual Spring Break Trip. They will begin the week with Minnesota Mankato on Monday night at 5:00 p.m.