The preseason All-American hasn’t gotten off to the best start, but this afternoon 1B Niko Kavadas mashed 2 long balls and gathered 5 RBI to lead the Irish to a 13-5 win over Presbyterian to start their road trip. It wasn’t all roses however, as Jarrett Link’s team faced a deficit of 3-2 heading into the top of the seventh.
FINAL: Notre Dame 13, Presbyterian 5
Niko Kavadas tallies his first career multi-home run game and sets a career high with 5 RBI!! Jack Alexander also had a big day at the plate with a career high 5 RBI in the win!!#GoIrish ☘️ pic.twitter.com/lkJ7QjqnmZ
— Notre Dame Baseball (@NDBaseball) February 28, 2020
The offense broke the game open late, scoring 5 runs in the 7th with Kavadas’ first homer, a 3-run opposite field shot, which gave the Irish the lead 5-3. Catcher Jack Alexander then single home two more runs to extend the lead to 7-3.
TOP 8 | Have a day Jack Alexander!!
He brings in two more runs on a single to up his total to 5️⃣ RBI today!!
ND 10, PC 4
📊 https://t.co/76fi0GLWSC#GoIrish ☘️ pic.twitter.com/gJBMh1SzD3
— Notre Dame Baseball (@NDBaseball) February 28, 2020
The 8th was fruitful as well with, another four runs crossed highlighted by another two-run single by Alexander. Kavadas added a two-run bomb for insurance in the 9th, tying Alexander with 5 RBI, a career high for both. The Irish offense exploded in the final three innings with 11 runs.
Starter Tommy Sheehan was great once again, keeping Notre Dame in the game with 6.1 strong innings, allowing four runs while striking out six. He got the win as relievers Tommy Vail and Liam Simon allowed just one more run to finish out the game.
Notre Dame hits the field tomorrow at 2pm, taking on Presbyterian again in Clinton, South Carolina. If they are able to win, it would make 3 straight series wins to open the 2020 season. Alex Rao is set to start for the Irish, as he comes in with a 7.11 ERA in his two previous starts.