Duke tops Camels in Tuesday contest

In his first career start, freshman Drew Van Orden limited opposing batters to two runs and three hits in six innings, as he and the rest of the Blue Devils shut down Campbell 9-2 in a chilly midweek matchup at Jack Coombs Field.

On offense, Duke (3-1) was paced by designated hitter Dennis O’Grady, who went 1-for-2 with two walks, knocking in two runs and scoring two more. The versatile Grady, who has started two games at first base and also was named ACC Pitcher of the Week Monday, drove in his two RBIs in the Blue Devils’ seven-run third inning. Freshman David Perkins also drove in two runs and junior Joe Pedevillano added another on the first triple of his career and the Blue Devils’ first of the young season.

Duke’s offense was aided by its continued aggressive baserunning. The Blue Devils stole six bases and were not caught once. On the season, six different Blue Devils have swiped a base, and the team is 15-for-19 in stolen base attempts. At the plate, though, patience has been the name of the game—Duke drew nine walks, which ties the season-high set last game.

Pitchers Ben Grisz and Marcus Stroman combined to pitch three scoreless relief innings to finish off the Fighting Camels (3-2). On the day, Campbell was limited to just four hits.