Duke Scores 13 in Fifth, Dominates Davidson 18-2

DAVIDSON, N.C. – The Duke baseball team scored 13 runs in the fifth inning to surge past Davidson, 18-2, in a seven-inning run-rule game on Tuesday afternoon at Wilson Field in Davidson, N.C.

The Blue Devils (25-20) trailed after the second inning but used a five-run third frame and 13-run fifth to separate itself from the Wildcats and score a season-high 18 runs. Graduate student Erikson Nichols recorded four hits for the second time this season, finishing 4-for-5 with two RBIs. In addition, senior Chris Crabtree totaled five RBIs on a 2-for-4 performance.

Sophomore Billy Seidl started on the mound for Duke, earning the win as he allowed one run on one hit in two innings of work. He also struck out two while on the bump.

Duke trailed early as Davidson (24-23) broke open the scoring in the second inning to take a 1-0 lead. The Blue Devils responded well, tallying five runs in the next frame. Four hits, highlighted by a two-RBI single by Crabtree with the bases loaded, two walks and a hit-by-pitch allowed the Blue Devils to score.

Eighteen plate appearances in the fifth inning allowed Duke to boast eight hits and a season-high 13 runs in the inning. The Blue Devils had eight consecutive batters reach base safely to begin the frame. Duke recorded four doubles, as Crabtree, senior Michael Rothenberg, sophomore Graham Pauley, and graduate student Chase Cheek each recorded a two-base hit.

Freshmen Nick Conte and Adam Boucher closed the game for Duke, both throwing scoreless frames. Conte struck out the side in the sixth inning before Boucher tallied a punchout in the seventh.

Duke continues its final week of regular season play at Clemson as the Blue Devils and Tigers are set for a three-game ACC series Thursday-Saturday at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.