Rushing powers Fisher to a decisive Game Three

Rushing (above) hit 2 HR's in the 12-4 win

Canton, OH - Freshman Denon Rushing's (Palmdale, CA) three run home run highlighted an eight run second inning as Fisher forces a decisive game three.

After losing game one against Ohio Dominican University yesterday, 13-3, Fisher needed a solid performance on the mound. Fisher College Head Coach Scott Dulin gave the ball to his senior ace Patrick Shanahan (Haverhill, MA). Shanahan dominated as he threw eight innings allowing the Panthers just four runs (two earned) on eight hits while fanning seven. This is the second NAIA Un-Affiliated Play In Series win for both Fisher College and Shanahan.

With the Falcons already ahead 1-0, Rushing stepped up to the plate. He then hit the 3-1 offering from ODU pitcher Zane Miller well over the center-field fence, scoring both junior Reynaldo Nunez (Santiago, Dominican Republic) and freshman Sebastiano Petruzzelli (Saugus, MA). Fisher continued to score four more runs to extend the lead to 8-0 after two innings of play.

Rushing was not done as he drove a 3-2 pitch over the trees in left field for a two run home run. Rushing finished the game going 2-for-4 with five RBI's and two Home Runs.

Also performing well in the game were junior Mike Oliveira (Tewksbury, MA) who was 2-for-4 with three runs scored out of the nine spot and senior Juan Eusebio (Union City, NJ) who collected two hits and two RBI's. Petruzzelli was 3-for-5 with a RBI while Nunez went 2-for-4 in the win.

With the victory, the Fisher College baseball team has forced a decisive game three. The winner of the next game will win the NAIA Un-Affiliated Play In Series and move on to compete in a five team Regional with a chance to advance to the NAIA World Series.