April 28, 2006
Box Score
Tallahassee, Fl. - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) baseball team out-slugged Florida A&M University (FAMU) in the final game of a conference series sweep yesterday at Moore-Kittles Field. The Fighting Hawks offense pounded out 16 hits to the Rattlers four to take game three 9-4.
Designated hitter Justin Hoban led the way for the Hawks as he went 4-for-4 including a double, recording three RBI and a stolen base. Shortstop Eric Gaines went 3-for-5 including two doubles, while scoring a run and registering three RBI. Third baseman Bernie Stratchko also went 3-for-5, plating two runs
UMES (14-27-1, 8-7 MEAC) opened the game with a 1-0 lead as Gaines came out swinging in the top of the first with a double down left-field line. With two outs, Hoban followed with a double of his own to centerfield that would plate Gaines.
In the top of the second, the Hawks would add another three runs on three hits. Stratchko would single to third-base and advance to third on a single from catcher Morgan Schirmer. A sacrifice fly-out from Gaines would score Stratchko. Schirmer advanced to second on a walk by Joel Maher. With two outs, Greg Cathell would take a hit and load the bases. Hoban's two-RBI single would score Schirmer and Maher. Cathell would get caught in a rundown and be picked-off to end the inning.
The Rattlers (11-28, 4-8 MEAC) would pose a threat in the bottom of the second as Hawks starter Daniel Sterling would give up three walks. Head Coach Bobby Rodriguez would call Michael Willey from the bull pen to get out of the inning.
Leading 4-0, the Fighting Hawks hitters would continue to dominate in the top of the third as left-fielder Anthony Jackson singled through the left side. Ronald Quick's RBI double to centerfield would score Jackson. Quick would advance to third on a single to right-field from Stratchko. An RBI sacrifice fly-out from Schirmer would score Quick. With two-outs, Stratchko would score on an RBI double to left field from Gaines.
UMES would cross another run on three hits to extend their lead to 8-0 in the top of the fifth.
FAMU would go scoreless over six innings due to the Hawks tremendous defensive effort. Willey had a no-hitter going into the bottom of the seventh.
Rattler first baseman Stanley Gnat would lead off the bottom of the seventh with a walk. David James would come in to pinch hit and end the no-hitter with a hard shot down right-field line. Shortstop Cirilo Manego would reach on an error by second baseman Pete Mayta that would score Gnat and James.
The Hawks would add an insurance run in the top of the ninth on one hit and one Rattler error. Quick would reach base via walk. Stratchko would single to the shortstop to advance Quick to third. Schirmer would reach on a fielders' choice but Stratchko would be called out at second. Quick would get caught in a rundown but score on an error from catcher Anthony Mazzeo.
Trailing 9-2 in the bottom of the ninth, James would prove to be the missing link for FAMU as he led off with a solo homer to right field. Manego would follow with a single through the left side. Manego advanced to third on a single to right-field from centerfielder Kevin Clethan. The Hawks would turn to their bullpen once more and bring in closer Mike Roberts. An RBI sacrifice fly-out from Rian Smith would plate Manego, the Rattlers final run.
Willey (1-2) worked six and two-thirds innings to grab his first conference win of the season. He allowed all four of the FAMU hits and struck out three.
James led the way for the Rattlers as he went 2-for-2 including a homerun, while plating a pair of runs and recording an RBI.
FAMU starter Ben Baylor (1-8) suffered the loss going two and two-thirds innings allowing seven runs (all earned) on a whopping nine hits and walking two.
The Fighting Hawks look to continue their 6-2 on the road win streak as they head to Daytona Beach to take on conference powerhouse Bethune-Cookman College in a three-game series. Series begins with a doubleheader Saturday April 29, 2006 at Noon.
