Duke Bests Army in Final Game of Opening Series

Sunday, February 16

Durham, N.C.

1 p.m.

Army West Point

1-2

Duke

2-1

Army

Duke

Duke Bests Army in Final Game of Opening Series

February 16, 2020 | Baseball

Box Score

DURHAM, N.C. – In the rubber match of the three-game series between Army and Duke, the Army West Point baseball team was defeated 7-0 at Durham Bulls Athletic Park on Sunday.

The Black Knights (1-2) couldn't get the bats going in this one, as Duke (2-1) built an early lead that Army was unable to overcome.

The game turned in the second inning, when Duke catcher Michael Rothenberg homered to right to put the Blue Devils up 5-0. That was more than enough for Duke starter Cooper Stinson, who held the Cadets scoreless through 5.2 innings while allowing just three hits.

In a quiet day at the plate for the Black Knights, Jeremiah Adams collected a hit in his third straight game. On the defensive end, shortstop Kevin Dubrule continued to impress, showing off his arm strength by throwing out an advancing runner on a relay play at home plate in the second inning.

Army will now turn its attention to Texas A&M, as the Cadets will travel to College Station, Texas, for a three-game set beginning on Feb. 21.

HIGHLIGHTS AND NOTES:

Duke got on the board first in the opening frame on a bloop single to left by Chase Cheek.
They added to their lead in the second despite some great defense from the Black Knights.
Carter Macias laid out to make a diving grab for the first out of the inning. Two batters later, Joey Loperfido drove in a run with a double to center. Kevin Dubrule cut down a potential second run on the play with a perfect relay throw to home for the second out. Duke extended the lead two batters later on a home run by Michael Rothenberg to right.
Bartoli settled down to hold Duke scoreless through the third and fourth.
The Black Knights threatened offensively in the sixth, after a Nick Manesis double set them up second and third with two outs. Duke was able to escape the inning without any damage on the scoreboard.
The Blue Devils added another two runs in the bottom half of the sixth. Joey Loperfido dropped a perfect bunt to third base for a single. Grant Norris advanced to third on the play and came around to score on an errant throw. Loperfido scored later in the inning on an error after stealing third to make it 7-0.
That score held to the finish, as Duke won the game to take two out of three in the weekend series.