Box Score

RICHMOND, Ky. – Ryland Kerr and A.J. Lewis fueled Eastern Kentucky's 5-3 win over Xavier in a midweek baseball game at Earle Combs Stadium on Wednesday.
 
The duo of Kerr and Lewis combined to go 3-for-7, scored two of EKU's five runs and drove in four of the five.
 
In the bottom of the first inning, Kerr tied the game, 1-1, with a double to left center.  Two batters later, Lewis hit a 2-run home run to give the Colonels (17-13) a lead they would never relinquish. 
 
Kerr's fourth inning RBI single through the left side put Eastern in front 5-2.
 
Xavier's three runs came on three solo home runs in the first, second and fifth innings by Conor Grammes, Natale Monastra and Matt Warkentin.
 
Warkentin finished 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI for the Musketeers (9-19).
 
Freshman Jacob Ferris (3-2) started for Eastern.  He allowed three runs on five hits in five innings.  The Richmond native walked three and struck out two batters.  Aaron Ochsenbein did not allow a hit and struck out five in two innings of relief, picking up his fifth save of the season.
 
"We're so thankful for the Greek organizations for coming out tonight and having a big impact on our team," Head Coach Edwin Thompson said.  "I want to personally thank them for everything they did.  Our team fed off their energy to play good baseball.  Jacob Ferris gave us a great start and then our bullpen did an outstanding job shutting them down.  Daniel Harris with three hits, A.J. Lewis with the home run in the first inning and Ryland Kerr had some good two-out knocks.  It was really good, an all-around win against a good team.  They'll do well in their league this year."
 
Eastern will host OVC foe Austin Peay for a three-game series this weekend.  Friday's series-opener is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.