March 22, 2007
Box Score
SAVANNAH, Ga. - The Hawks managed just ten hits in two games as Savannah State (SSU) took advantage of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore's (UMES) pitching, knocking across 18 hits and plating 18 runs in the two games. The Tigers took game one 12-3 and game two 6-2.
In preparation for the upcoming Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference opener against Coppin State this weekend, head Coach Will Gardner rearranged his pitching staff to save some the Hawks top starters. Savannah State took advantage. They jumped on starter Ken Richardson in game one scoring five runs in the first and one in the second to take a 6-0 lead. They ten added six in the fourth inning, chasing Richardson, who worked only three and two thirds innings, allowing nine hits, and 12 runs. His ERA was spared though as six total Hawk miscues meant only four earned runs for Richardson.
The Hawks added two runs in the sixth and one in the seventh taking advantage of the SSU relievers. Three straight walks to Joel Gonzalez, Justin Hoban and Kevin Hillenburg loaded the bases in the sixth. With two outs James Walls singled to right and plated Gonzalez while Hoban scored on an error by pitcher Andrew Connor.
The other Hawk run came in the seventh as Eric Gaines would score. He reached on a fielder's choice and scored on a Jamar Cadejuste single.
In game two freshman Tyler Winch got the call. He worked a complete game allowing six runs, five earned while walking a pair and striking out another pair. The Tigers scored one in the first and one in the second while plating two in each of the third and fourth innings.
UMES got their two runs in the sixth as Gaines led-off with a single to left. Gonzalez then put Gaines on second with a single to left center. Hoban grounded out and advanced both runners. Hillenburg did the same, grounding out to second base but scored Gaines and pushed Gonzalez to third. Josh Dean's single to third plated Gonzalez.
On the day Gonzalez was 3-4 with two runs while Gaines collected a pair of hits and two runs. Walls also had a pair of hits and an RBI.
SSU's Antonio Richmond was 2-6 with three runs and and RBI while John Keene was 4-6 with four runs and two RBI. Brandon Javis went 3-7 with two runs and three RBI. Patrick Ballew picked up the win in game one while Mark Sherrod worked the complete game for the win in game two.
UMES plays a three game series against Coppin State this weekend in Princess Anne, a double header on Saturday beginning at noon and a single game on Sunday with the first pitch at 1:00 pm.
