May 23, 2004 
 
 
Salisbury Uses 6-1 Win to Gain Division III World Series Berth
Martinsville Regional Title Games Moved to Ferrum College Campus
 
Ferrum, Va. – After over eight hours and a rain delay, Salisbury University earned a berth in the 2004 NCAA Division III Baseball Championship with a 6-1 win over Methodist College in the Martinsville Regional title game.  The Sea Gulls will participate in the Div. III World Series May 28 through June 1, to be held in Fox Cities, Wisconsin.
 
The game began at 12 p.m. and was tied 1-1 after two full innings when the skies opened over Martinsville, Virginia.  Over 45 minutes of rain, wind, and hail caused the tournament to change its venue.  Tournament host Ferrum College prepped its field while the teams, fans, and umpires traveled 25 miles north of Martinsville to reach the Ferrum campus.

When play resumed, Salisbury (37-11) used a four-run fifth inning to take command of the game, then added a run in the seventh for the final 6-1 score.  Outfielder Jason Lively went 3-5 for the Sea Gulls, with a double and two RBI.  Lively closed the game on the mound, pitching the final two innings.  He allowed just two hits with no walks and no strikeouts.

Catcher Matt Johnson went 3-4 with a run and an RBI.  Starter Greg Lasinski scattered nine hits over seven innings to get the win.  Lasinski struck out five and walked two.

DH Blake Maxwell, second baseman Kevin Wallace, and catcher Ben Kaplan each went 2-4 for Methodist (30-19).  Starter Steve Cornelius was credited with the loss.  He pitched four innings for the Monarchs, allowing nine hits and walking five, while striking out four batters.

Salisbury outfielder Mike Williams was named Most Valuable Player of the Martinsville Regional Tournament.  Joining him on the All-Tournament team from Salisbury were first baseman Nick Pegelow, second baseman Greg Lemon, and outfielder Jason Lemon.

Methodist shortstop, pitcher Adam Denning, catcher Ben Kaplan, and DH Blake Maxwell made the All-Tournament team for Methodist.  Emory University third baseman Andrew Pinckney and outfielder Bryan Langbord, and Mary Washington College pitcher Kevin Foeman rounded out the All-Tournament selections.
 
This will be Salisbury's second trip to the Division III World Series in four years.  The Sea Gulls also went in 2001, finishing fourth in the nation.  For more information on the 2004 NCAA Division III Baseball World Series, please visit the NCAAsports.com site at www.ncaasports.com/baseball/mens.

 
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