FROM STAFF REPORTS

MONTEVALLO – The University of Montevallo baseball team defeated Maryville University (Mo.) 11-1 in a non-conference game March 7 at Kermit A. Johnson Field.

The Falcons plated 11 runs on 19 hits in the victory.

“This was the best and most complete game we’ve played all season,” said Montevallo baseball coach Chandler Rose. “Our focus in all aspects of the game was outstanding. It all started with Devon (Davis) on the mound and the bullpen did a great job, as well. Offensively, our approach was outstanding and we had a lot of great team at bats. We have a big conference weekend starting Saturday and need to carry this over into it.”

Senior Austin Dubberly led Montevallo (14-7) offensively as he finished 4-for-5 at the plate with a triple and a double. Dubberly drove in four runs and scored three runs in the victory.

Junior Will Fulmer finished 4-for-4 at the plate with a pair of doubles and scored three runs. Junior Jackson Slaid, who drove in two runs and scored one run, went 4-for-5 at the plate. Sophomore Vinny Rodriguez, who drove in three runs and scored two runs, went 3-for-4 at the plate with a homer.

Sophomore Cody White went 2-for-5 at the plate and drove in one run. Freshman John Maxwell went 1-for-3 at the plate with a double and scored one run, while fellow freshman Josh Floyd finished 1-for-5 at the plate and drove in one run. Freshman Michael Simmons scored one run in the win.

Five Montevallo pitchers combined to limit the Saints to just one run on seven hits.

Senior starter Devon Davis picked up the win after giving up just two hits with five strikeouts in four innings on the mound.

Freshman Aron McRee gave up just one hit and finished with three strikeouts in two innings in relief. FreshmanBrandon Marshall, who finished with one strikeout, and sophomore Mason Morris each allowed just one hit in one inning in relief. Freshman Taylor Burr allowed one earned run on two hits with two strikeouts and one walk in one inning in relief.

The Falcons jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Fulmer led off with a double down the left-field line before scoring on a RBI double to right-center field by Dubberly. Rodriguez followed with a two-run blast.

Montevallo plated two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to push its lead to 5-0. Rodriguez led off with a walk and Slaid singled up the middle before a groundout by White scored Rodriguez. Slaid scored on a RBI single through the left side by Floyd.

The Falcons added two more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to push their lead to 7-0. Fulmer led off with a double to left-center field before scoring on a RBI triple down the right-field line by Dubberly, who scored later in the inning on a RBI single by Rodriguez.

Montevallo scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to push its lead to 11-0. Maxwell, who was hit by a pitch, and Simmons, who reached on a walk, scored on a two-run single to right field by Dubberly. Dubberly and Rodriguez, who singled through the left side, scored on a two-run single up the middle by Slaid.

Maryville University scored its lone run in the top of the ninth inning. Colby White led off with a single to right field before scoring on a groundout by Kolby O’Dowd.

The Falcons return to action this weekend with a three-game series against Peach Belt Conference foe Flagler College at Kermit A. Johnson Field.

First pitch in the series opener is set for Saturday, March 9 at 1 p.m., followed by the second game in the series.

First pitch in the final game is set for Sunday, March 10 at noon, which will be Little League Day at Kermit A. Johnson Field.

The Falcons are inviting local youth baseball teams to the game free of charge, offering little league players a chance to participate in a free baseball clinic with current Montevallo players following the game.

The youth baseball players will also be treated to a free lunch and a free Montevallo baseball poster with an autograph session with the Falcons following the game. The little league players will also get a chance to run the bases after the game.