Follow @PBRVirginiaDC 
Facebook + Periscope

The Benedictine Cadets scored seven runs from the fifth inning on to take their first lead of the game and defeat St. Anne's-Belfield Saints 8-2.

The game went the first half of the game as a well played pitchers duel featuring Benedictines 2018 RHP Mark Loving against STAB's 2019 RHP Alex Markopoulos.

STAB struck first in the game in the bottom of the first inning, taking advantage of two walks and an infield infield single from STAB's Nic Kent. With the bases loaded, Markopoulos doubled to left field, scoring two and giving the Saints a quick 2-0 lead. Loving would then get himself in gear, striking out the next three hitters to leave two on and holding the Saints at bay.

Benedictine would add one run in the top of the second off an RBI single from Matt Sylvia to cut the lead in half at 2-1.

Both teams would then be quieted until the fifth inning, with both team starters pitching well and keeping the lineups quiet. Markopoulos and Loving would settle in to quickly get to the top of the fifth.

After a strikeout to start the top of the fifth, Josh Brown would reach base on a walk. Greg Ryan would then send a deep strike down the rightfield line that just stayed fair for a double with one out and runners at second and third. STAB would put on Josh Hall to load the bases and markopoulos would get a strikeout to get two outs in the inning. Cadets hitter Jack Carpin would put a well hit ball to the right side of the infield that was stopped by a great play from STAB 2B Van Spinelli. Spinelli's throw trying to recover couldn't be handled by the first baseman and Benedictine would have two runners cross to take their first lead of the day at 3-2.

After five innings from Markopoulos, his day was done and the Cadets would then get to the STAB bullpen, scoring five runs in the sixth and one in the seventh to extend the lead and get to the final score of 8-2.

Loving got the win, going five strong innings giving up three hits with 13 strikeouts and three walks. Bennet Lloyd would pitch the final two inning of scoreless ball for the Cadets.

Markopoulos pitched well for the Saints in the loss, giving up six hits with seven strikeouts while walking four. All three of his runs given up were unearned.

Jamari Baylor led Benedictine going 3-for-4 with an RBI. Ryan went 2-for-5.

Markopoulos paced the STAB offense, going 3-for-3 with an RBI.