HARTSVILLE, S.C. -- Alex Di Dio shut down Coker, pitching a complete game, three-hitter including a career-high 14 strikeouts as visiting Saint Augustine's cruised to a 9-1 win Thursday.
The victory was the first this season for the Falcons (1-2), who defeated the Cobras (0-1) for the first time since 2004.
Di Dio surrendered just one walk. He gave up two of the Cobras' three hits in the first inning when they scored their only run. The Cobras managed only one run the next eight innings.
The Falcons belted out 12 hits on the day.
Ariel Polanco continued his hot start, going 2-for-4 with a home run, a triple and two RBIs. David Nelson went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs and Anthony Holloway was 3-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored. Alex Howard was 2-for-3 with two runs scored.
The Falcons took a quick 2-0 lead in the first inning on Polanco's two-run homer to left center field which also scored Holloway, who reached base on a single.
The Falcons tacked on two more runs in the sixth inning. Howard scored on a passed ball, and Nelson hit a sacrifice fly which scored Ben Hatchell for a 6-1 lead.
The Falcons secured the victory with three runs in the ninth inning. Nelson scored on an error after doubling to left center field. Holloway scored Wayne Lewis with an RBI single. Holloway later scored on Polanco's triple to right-center field.
The Falcons play a doubleheader with Clark Atlanta today at 1 p.m.
Basketball
Duke junior center Allison Vernerey was named to the Academic All-District III women's basketball team on Thursday. Vernerey was selected by a vote of the College Sports Information Directors of America.
One of the key reserves on the fifth-ranked Blue Devil squad, Vernerey has played in all 20 contests on the season, averaging 6.3 points and 2.9 rebounds.
Wrestling
North Carolina will face N.C. State in a dual match set for 7 p.m. today at Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh.
The Tar Heels have won the last five meetings against the Wolfpack, including two straight in Raleigh, 34-12 in 2010 and 24-18 in 2008.
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Duke’s usually-quick transition game was negated by Maryland’s ability to slow the game down, and the Blue Devils were ousted 16-10. Maryland will play Loyola for the national title. Keep up with the latest sports stories with our free e-mail newsletters, delivered to your inbox!
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