Emmitsburg, Md. (April 14, 2008)--Sophomore right hander Kent Worthington struck out a career high 11 batters in helping lead Mount St. Mary's to an 8-2 win over Coppin State in a non-conference matchup at Straw Family Stadium on campus on Monday afternoon.  Senior Josh Vittek, who was named the Akadema/Northeast Conference Player of the Week earlier in the day, went 3-for-4 with three RBI to pace the Mount offense.  Vittek’s three RBI give him 140 for his career, breaking the school record of 139 set by Eric Smith last season.

Worthington sailed through the first three innings, retiring the first nine batters he faced.  The Eagles (2-35), however, put two runs in the top of the fourth to take the lead.  Jerry Matos reached on a bunt single to lead off the inning.  He moved to second on a sacrifice and then stole third.  Harry Williams then lofted a high fly just over the right field fence for a two-run homer for the Eagles.

Mount St. Mary's (7-21) answered with a run in the bottom half of the inning off Coppin State starter Brad Bronson.  Matt Eiden's bunt single with one out got things started.  Drew Counselman followed with a base hit and Vittek knocked home Eiden with a base hit to center field.

The Mount grabbed the lead with a pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth.  Matt Staso walked to open the frame and Kyle Kane followed with a base hit through the left side.  Ryan Stamp then reached on an infield single to load the bases with no outs.  Joe Kavanagh's RBI fielder's choice knotted the score at 2-2.  The go ahead run came when Kane scored when Joe Kavanagh drew a throw to second with runners on first and third.  The ball was dropped by the second baseman, and Kane scampered home with the go ahead run.

The Mount took control with a three-run sixth inning.  Staso's two-out single gave the Mount a two-run advantage and Kane followed with a two-run base hit for a 6-2 Mount lead.  Vittek's two-run double in the seventh closed out the scoring in the game.

Vittek went 3-for-4 with three RBI to raise his team-leading average to .355.  Vittek went 7-for-9 with nine RBI in the Mount's two wins over Coppin State this year.  Kane was 3-for-3 with a run scored and two runs driven in.  Kane was 8-for-8 against the Eagles this season.

Worthington struck out 11 while allowing five hits in seven innings of work to improve to 1-1 on the season.  Jimmy Mudgett and Chris McDermott each pitched a scoreless inning of relief.

Matos had a pair of bunt singles to pace Coppin State's offense.  Bronson allowed six runs (five earned) in 5.2 innings of work while Jeremiah Cothiere allowed two runs in 2.1 innings of relief.

The Mount returns to action tomorrow with a 4:00 p.m. home game against Maryland-Eastern Shore at Straw Family Stadium on campus.

Mark Vandergrift

Sports Information Director

Mount St. Mary's University

Office:   301-447-5384

Fax:  301-447-5300

Cell:  717-357-3326