VERO BEACH, Fla. (March 1, 2010) – The Thiel College baseball team scored all the runs it would need in a single inning as the Tomcats defeated St. John Fisher, 5-4, on Monday afternoon at Dodgertown.

The win, which moved the Tomcats to 1-2 on the young season, avenged a lopsided opening day setback against the Cardinals.

After surrendering three runs in the top of the fifth inning, the Thiel offense put together its strongest showing of the spring, manufacturing five runs on six hits – all of which were singles – to chase the Cardinal starter.

Leadoff man Luke Johnson (Rochester, Pa./Rochester) got things started with a single up the middle and advanced to second on a Eric King (Butler, Pa./Butler) single to left field. Phil Double (Evans City, Pa./Seneca Valley)'s base knock loaded the bases with no outs.

Cleanup hitter Justin Scarpitti (Erie, Pa./Cathedral Prep.) delivered a single to right center to drive in the first two Tomcat runs of the game.

DH Weston Snyder (Cranesville, Pa./Northwestern) kept things moving with a single to left that loaded the bases a second time.

Brock Porter (Duncansville, Pa./Hollidaysburg) made the first out of the inning when he was thrown out trying to stretch a single into a double, but not before Snyder and Scarpitti came around to score. 

After a St. John Fisher pitching change, Jarod Nanna (Johnstown, Pa./Conemaugh) flew out to left, allowing Snyder to score to give Thiel a, 5-3 advantage.

Thiel starter James Teyssier (McKees Rocks, Pa./Montour) worked seven innings allowing seven hits and walking two to earn the win. Brad Bates (Kinsman, Ohio/Badger) pitched the final two innings to earn the save.

Scarpitti, Snyder and Double paced the Thiel offense with two hits apiece.

Freshman Ryan Dixon (Pittsburgh, Pa./Upper St. Clair), who drew the first start of his collegiate career at shortstop, turned in a solid defensive performance by notching seven assists.

Thiel returns to action tomorrow when it hosts Lebanon Valley College at 2:30 p.m. at Holman Stadium.