BOX SCORE
LAKELAND, Fla. - Sophomore Andrew Eckhardt had two RBIs and freshman Marcos Calderon scored the winning run in the top of the 8th inning to give the Butler baseball team a 4-3 win over Akron down in Florida Monday afternoon. Freshman Jeff Gunter was the winning pitcher in relief for the Bulldogs, and sophomore Chase Byerly earned a save.
The game was tied 3-3 in the 8th when Calderon reached on a fielder's choice bunt with one out. After stealing second, the freshman outfielder scored on a single up the middle by junior Griffin Richeson.
Eckhardt led the way offensively with a 2-for-4 effort, including a two-run single in the top of the 2nd. Richeson and sophomore Bob Akin also had two hits apiece.
Silvestri gave a strong effort, working 6.2 innings and striking out five with just one walk. He gave up three runs (one earned) and scattered eight hits. Gunter pitched 0.2 innings of relief, as did junior Ryan Salvino. Byerly retired three of four batters in the 9th for the save.
Tuesday is an off day for the Bulldogs (7-4). BU will play Bucknell Wednesday, March 16. Right-hander Kyle Kramp is scheduled to start on the mound for the Dawgs.
