CHANDLER, FLA. 3/18/09 - Keene State College bats remained as hot as the 88-degree temperature, collecting 15 more hits in a 12-8 victory over Marian University of Wisconsin at Snedigar Field in Chandler, Arizona on Wednesday.

            The Owls (5-2) used the big inning, scoring eight runs in the bottom of the second to go up 9-2.  The inning featured a two-run single down the left field line by Bobby Doyon (Keene, N.H.) and a  two-run triple down the right field line by Cody Callahan (Seekonk, Mass.).

            The Sabres pecked away at the Owls, scoring single runs in the fourth and sixth innings, and two more in the seventh to make it an 8-6 game.  The KSC bats went back to work in the seventh.   A two-run double down the left field line by Keith Patnode (Keene, N.H.) and a sacrifice fly by Doyon put the Owls up 12-6.  

            "I was pleased with our effort," said KSC Coach Ken Howe.  "We got a quality start from freshman Cory Gilmore (Northfield, N.H.) and swung the bats once again.  We had a little lull in the middle innings, but fortunately, we were able to pick it up again.

            Beau Darak led the hit parade, going four-for-four at the plate with an RBI.  Patnode and Doyon knocked in three runs each, and leadoff hitter Jeff Perkins (Dunbarton, N.H.) did his job getting two hits and scoring three runs.

            Gilmore pitched five solid innings, giving up three runs on five hits with five strikeouts and a walk.  He got the win.

            Keene State plays a pair of seven innings games against Roger Williams University on Thursday.