Branisel's Walk-Off Backs Up Brennan's Outing in Capital Win
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LANCASTER, Ohio – The Capital University baseball team took advantage of solid starting pitching for a third straight game and plated the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth Thursday in a 5-4 victory over Wittenberg in a non-conference affair at Beavers Field.
Junior outfielder Taylor Branisel (South Euclid, Ohio) gave the Crusaders (12-7 overall) their third walk-off victory of the season in the bottom of the ninth inning. Branisel knocked a sharp single just over the second baseman's glove to score junior shortstop Brian Wyer (New Albany, Ohio), who doubled to deep center with one out in the frame.
"I was looking for a pitch I could drive and score Brian from second," Branisel said. "The first pitch I got happened to be a fastball, and I was able to drive it."
Junior pitcher Kevin Brennan (Mason, Ohio), normally used in relief, started for Capital and allowed just one unearned run on three hits and three walks in seven innings. The left-hander struck out seven in his longest outing of the season.
"I was trying to establish my fastball and get ahead of hitters," Brennan said. "I threw the slider with two strikes while trying to mix in a change-up here and there."
Junior pitcher Michael Flegal (Akron, Ohio) moved to 2-2 on the year with the win in relief. Flegal twice stranded runners in scoring position in two innings, allowing two hits while striking out one. He caught a comeback line drive in the top of the ninth and doubled off the runner at first, leaving a runner at third for the second consecutive frame.
The Crusaders, who posted their first win over the Tigers in their last six tries, took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first on run-scoring singles by Branisel and senior first baseman Brandon Natale (Westerville, Ohio).
Wittenberg (14-3) responded with a run in the top of the second on a first-and-third double steal.
After Capital plated one run each in the fourth and sixth innings, the Tigers tied the contest at 4-4 in the top of the eighth on a three-run triple to right. Flegal limited the damage in the eighth and escaped the top of the ninth, setting up Branisel's heroics.
Natale and sophomore designated hitter Matt Carnahan (Moundsville, W.Va.) tallied three hits apiece to lead the Crusaders. Branisel, Wyer and junior centerfielder Nate Campbell (Latrobe, Pa.) each registered two hits for Capital.
The Crusaders return to Ohio Athletic Conference play this Saturday at defending national champion Marietta. First pitch of the doubleheader is scheduled for 1 p.m.
