HATTIESBURG, Miss. – After Chase Boster gave up a home run on the first pitch of the game, the all-conference pitcher buckled down and delivered a career performance. Boster struck out 11 FIU batters and pitched Marshall to a 5-3 win in the opening round of the Conference USA Tournament.
Boster earned the 20th win of his career, becoming the all-time wins leader at Marshall, passing Grant Harper (2001-04) and Albie DeYoung (1975-78). His 11 strikeouts also tied for third most in a C-USA tournament game.
“I couldn’t be more proud of Chase Boster tonight. What an accomplishment for setting the all-time wins record,” said coach Jeff Waggoner. “He threw a great game tonight and we rallied behind him and found a way to win the game.”
After the leadoff homer, Marshall tied the game in the second inning on a solo home run by Aaron Bossi.
“We went down 1-0, and Aaron Bossi came up with the big hit for us, and we never looked back from there,” said Waggoner.
The Herd took the lead in the fourth inning, scoring three runs on four hits. Bossi gave Marshall a 2-1 lead on a sacrifice fly. Marshall added to the lead on a three-run blast by Ryne Dean with two outs in the fourth inning.
“Ryne Dean had another big hit. These guys have been doing it all year, and their senior leadership has been outstanding.”
Closer Burris Warner entered the game with two outs in the eighth and shutdown any thoughts of an FIU comeback, collecting his 11th save.
Marshall advanced to face host Southern Miss Thursday at 8:30 Eastern. The Golden Eagles defeated Old Dominion 17-5 on Tuesday.