Yogi Berra would have been proud. Chapman University staged a four-run rally in the bottom of the ninth inning to beat Emory University 6-5 in an elimination game Sunday at the NCAA Division III Baseball Championship Series at Fox Cities Stadium.

"That (win) gives us a lot of confidence because we know it's not over until it's over," Chapman left fielder C.J. Castillo said. "You've just got to think positive."

The victory by Chapman (36-12) advances the Panthers to a game Monday against Anderson University at a time to be determined. Anderson (35-14) was to take on Christopher Newport University (33-7) in a matchup between the tournament's two unbeaten teams Sunday night. The key hit in the game-winning rally was Matt Graves' two-out, three-run double that scored the winning run and set off a wild celebration by the Panthers at home plate.

The inning started innocently enough with Jeff Levering's flyout, but Max Gruber then reached on a fielding error by the shortstop. Castillo followed with a high-hopper over the head of the third baseman, and Justin Hallenbeck singled to load the bases.

Emory then brought in closer John Illius, and he promptly struck out Shaun Donahoe for the second out. Alex Taylor followed with a soft single to centerfield to score Gruber and cut the lead to 5-3. Graves then belted a 1-2 fastball from Illius to left centerfield, and centerfielder Aaron Rosdal made a diving attempt. Rosdal narrowly missed making the spectacular catch, and the ball rolled behind Rosdal, which cleared the bases and gave Chapman the victory.

Emory head coach Mike Twardoski was quick not to blame Rosdal for his effort.

"A kid of that nature and a great outfielder is thinking of one thing, saving the game," Twardoski said.

Emory took the lead with two runs in the top of the fourth. Rob Segear and Bryan Langbord both had run-scoring doubles in the inning. The Eagles then seemed to seal the victory with two more runs in the seventh to grab a 5-2 edge. Justin Gordon singled and later scored an unearned run on a passed ball. Andrew Pinckney, who struck out but reached base when the ball got away from the catcher, later scored on Adam Schorr's single.

Emory, which left nine runners on base, also stole eight bases, one short of the championship series record.

"So many things happened wrong for us today. We had runners in scoring position, and we didn't put the ball in play. That's going to haunt you," Twardoski said.
"We couldn't get that key hit to break the game open."

Written By Joe Vanden Acker
Photos By Lehigh Photo