NEWARK, Del. – The Gray squad knotted the Blue/Gray World Series at one game apiece after posting an 8-7 victory in the second game of the University of Delaware baseball team’s annual fall scrimmage on Wednesday afternoon at Bob Hannah Stadium.

After the Blue team tied the game with four runs in the fifth and a pair in the sixth, Chris Branigan answered in the bottom of the frame. The freshman first baseman lofted a sacrifice fly to break the tie and chase in the winning run.

Branigan eventually finished the game with a single and two RBI to help lead the Gray squad.

Eric Buckland closed out the victory in style, striking out two in one inning of work to pick up the save. His performance came on the heels of a strong pitching performance by senior captain Brian Rorick (at right), who allowed just one earned run while striking out three in four strong innings of work for the Gray.

Shortstop D.J. Long and rightfielder Nick Ferdinand also had impressive performances for the victors as both standouts launched two-run home runs in the squad’s seven-run fourth. Long eventually finished the day with two hits and a pair of runs scored, while Ferdinand also went 2-for-3 in the game.

Catcher Todd Menchaca helped guide the Blue team, blasting a two-run homer while also scoring twice. Rightfielder Matt Greco also chipped in with a perfect 3-for-3 performance at the plate including a double and two runs scored.

Leftfielder Pat Dameron also added a 2-for-3 performance for the Blue team, while first baseman Ryan Cuneo notched two hits and an RBI.

The two teams will wrap up the World Series on Friday at 3:30 p.m. with the pivotal third game.

AGATE:

Blue - 100 042 0- 7-10-3
Gray- 000 701 x- 8-8-3