May 31, 2003

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PALO ALTO, Calif. - Junior Adam Tidball (Bethesda, Md.) ripped a three-run homer to lead Richmond to a 5-0 win over Illinois-Chicago in the first elimination game of the NCAA Regional at Stanford's Sunken Diamond. Senior pitcher Mike McGirr (Lexington, Mass.) tossed his fourth complete game, striking out seven to get the Spiders their 100th win in the past two seasons.

After three scoreless innings, the Spiders put up two runs in the fourth. Senior Vito Chiaravalloti (Middletown, N.J.) started the rally by reaching base on an error by third baseman Nelson Gord. He then took second on a failed pick-off attempt. Catcher Adam Tidball (Bethesda, Md.) drew a walk before senior shortstop David Reaver (Union Bridge, Md.) beat out a bunt to load the bases. Third baseman David Thomas (McLean, Va.) then stroked a two-run single up the middle for a 2-0 Richmond lead.

In the fifth, Tidball blasted his ninth home run of the season to give Richmond a 5-0 lead. After a line drive double play started the inning, first baseman Jim Fasano (Horsham, Pa.) worked a walk. Chiaravalloti then singled to send Fasano to third. Providing three insurance runs, Tidball, who went 2-for-3 with three RBI and two runs scored, belted a home run over the left field fence.

The Flames threatened in the ninth, loading the bases with a walk and two singles. Illinois-Chicago's catcher Kevin Nelson knocked the ball back to McGirr for a game-ending double play. McGirr tossed to Tidball to erase the runner advancing from third, and then Tidball fired to Fasano to end the game.

McGirr (10-1) hurled 9.0 innings and induced three double plays. Illinois-Chicago's Ryan Martin (7-1) took his first loss of the season after allowing five runs in 5.2 innings.

The Spiders advance to the next elimination game at 7:00 p.m. PT (10:00 p.m. EDT) against the loser of Stanford vs. UC Riverside