March 1, 2006

Box Score

PRINCESS ANNE, MD - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) baseball team was swept by Lehigh University this afternoon in a doubleheader. The Fighting Hawks, who just came off a series sweep of Buffalo two games to one, were defeated by the Mountain Hawks in game one 8-3 and 11-4 in game two.

UMES was led by first Baseman Greg Cathell who went 2-3 and designated hitter Justin Hoban who went 2-4. Both had an RBI and a run scored.

The Fighting Hawks took as 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first as centerfielder Joel Maher got on base via a walk and later scored on a single to left field by first baseman Greg Cathell. Lehigh would score two in the third as Nick Bet would double to left and be driven home on another double by Matt McBride. Third baseman Matt Geiger would follow with a double of his own to left center, scoring McBride.

UMES, down but not out, continued to battle in the bottom of the fourth scoring two runs on four hits. Cathell who reached base on a single through the right side and would score on a double to left field from Hoban. Hoban then scored on a single up the middle from third baseman Bernie Stratchko.

Kevin Hillenburg (0-3) who took the mound for the Hawks threw hard, but struggled to find the strike zone and gave up four runs (all earned) on six hits and four walks.

Lehigh in the top of fifth would score three more runs on two hits and never look back in the top of the seventh as they scored another two runs on two hits. In the top of the seventh, left fielder David Moscow doubled to left center scoring Gieger and Bet.

In game two, the Mountain Hawks would take an early lead as they scored five runs on four hits. The Hawks would answer back in the bottom of the first, as they would score four runs of their own on four hits. With the score 5-4 after only one complete inning Lehigh would up their game and never look back holding UMES to those four runs for the next five innings. In the top of the second they scored three runs on three hits and in the top of the third they scored another run on two hits.

Mike Roberts (0-1) picked up the loss in game two as he allowed seven hits and eight runs, seven earned, in two innings of work.

Hoban led the way for the Hawks once again as he went 2-3 with an RBI and a run. Right fielder Ronald Quick contributed to the cause as he went 1-3 with two RBI. Shortstop Eric Gaines and first baseman Cathell each added a hit and a run in the game.

For Lehigh, Bet led the way as he went 3-4 with three runs and three RBI. McBride went 2-3 with three runs scored and an RBI.

The Fighting Hawks will next host the Long Island University Blackbirds in a three game series beginning Saturday, March 4, 2006 at Noon at Hawks Stadium.