March 30, 2008
Box Score
PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - After winning an exciting game two of the series against Delaware State University (DSU) the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) was hoping for some of the momentum to carry over into game three. The momentum however seemed to be on the Hornets side as they were patient at the plate and took advantage of starter Carl Huber to post seven runs over the first four innings and keep the Hawk offense at bay, securing the 14-2 win.
UMES (5-24, 4-2 MEAC) gave up two runs in the first inning by committing two errors. One on Huber, another on shortstop Josh Dunham, led DSU to plate two runs, both unearned to the starter Huber.
The Hawks cut the lead in half in the third inning. Phillip Vaughn was hit by a pitch with one out and promptly stole second base easily. Pat Hercinger then singled to right to move Vaughn to third. Ryan Coppi would then send a single through the left side to plate Vaughn and make it 2-1.
In the fourth inning the Hornets would break it open, taking advantage of four walks and a hit batsman to record five runs. Huber would be replaced by Elliott Arrington who immediately struck out the first two Hornets he saw but gave up a tough infield single that allowed two more runs to score. All five would be charged to Huber and we would take the loss on the day, working three innings and allowing just two hits. Unfortunately, his control was the issue, as he walked seven batters, hit one and struck out four.
DSU (6-19, 2-1 MEAC) added a lone run in the sixth and seventh innings off of Arrington and then five in the ninth. Errors would be the problem as UMES committed five on the day. Those errors meant that Arrington, who finished the game, would allow seven runs, but just one earned. He worked five innings, allowed seven hits, walked one and K'ed four. The game would end an inning early due to conference mercy rule.
UMES got their second run in the seventh inning. Remo Orsini got it started with a one out walk. Hercinger singled to right center and Coppi followed with a single of his own to left and loaded the bases. Russell Deutschmann recorded the RBI, hitting into a fielder's choice that forced Coppi out at second and plated Orsini.
For DSU Jamie Friel picked up the win, baffling the Hawk hitters in seven innings of work, allowing eight hits, two earned runs, a pair of walks and striking out two.
With the score the way it was, the surprise came in the hit column as the Hawks out slugged the Hornets 10 hits to nine.
Coppi was 3-4 on the day while Hercinger went 2-3. Jorge Pichardo was also solid, going 2-4 with a double. Michael Guy and Tyler Love also recorded doubles in the game.
Jim Johnson paced the Hornet offense with a 3-4 day with three runs and an RBI. Jarrett Bibb was 2-3 with a run and an RBI coming on a solo homerun. Friel, who also batted, scored twice and had an RBI. UMES takes the day off before traveling to play West Virginia in a doubleheader on Wednesday.
