'PHOENIX, ARIZ.  3/16/06 - The Keene State College baseball team split a doubleheader against McDaniel (Md.) College in Phoenix on Thursday.  After dropping their opener 5-1, the Owls came back to win the second game 5-2.

The Owls, who managed just five hits in the first game, got the only run in sixth inning. Greg Ford (Nashua, N.H.) and Jeremy Schilling (Centerville, Mass.) walked.  Ford stole third and came home on a double play ball.

Ryan Kohler (Alstead, N.H.) took the loss for KSC. The senior gave up five runs on seven hits while striking out five and walking a batter.

In the second game, Keene State broke a 2-2 tie with three runs in the sixth inning.  Schilling had an RBI double, John Grainger (Keene, N.H.) knocked in a run with a sacrifice fly, and Ford brought in a run with an RBI single. 

Schilling and Joe Rousseau both went two-for-three at the plate.

Owl starter Phil Mabey (Williamstown, Mass.) got credit for the win. The 6-foot, five inch sophomore allowed two runs on two hits over six innings with a strikeout and two walks. Ford pitched the seventh inning to pick up his first save of the season.

"I'm pleased with the way we're playing," said KSC Coach Ken Howe. "We got out of the chute well and hopefully we can keep it up when we return home."

The Owls (6-2) have four games remaining on their trip, including a doubleheader against St. Norbert (Wis.) College on Friday.

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