SALISBURY, Maryland — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore baseball team had the bats wake up against visiting UMBC, with the Hawks (2-14) blasting their way to an 8-7 victory over the Retrievers (6-6).

It's the first midweek win for the Hawks since March 3, 2020 over the University of Delaware.

"It's just good to come out and play baseball and we played good baseball," interim head coach Shawn Phillips said. "I think we hit the ball well, we didn't pitch very well but I think when we needed to pitch well, we did it."

Kyle Speas got the start for the Hawks, eventually turning the ball over to Tyler Prather with the bases were loaded in the first. UMBC was able to grab two runs that were attributed to Speas on a double against Prather, but the sophomore was able to get out of a jam on a groundout.

It would turn into a true bullpen game for the Hawks, with ten different student-athletes taking the mound to complete the meeting.

"(The relievers) did what they can," Phillips said. "They do what they do and threw strikes to get out of the inning."

The Hawks were able to cut into the UMBC lead following a leadoff double by Riley Horner who was moved along by a Derrick Mayes II sacrifice bunt and driven in by a Dillon Oxyer single.

UMBC took advantage of free passes in the fourth inning, walking in their third run of the game with the bases loaded, but the Hawks were able to grab the run back on a Luke Myers groundout that scored Brian Cordell for third base.

In the fifth the Hawks put together a two-out rally when Oxyer singled and Brantley Cutler drew a walk, chasing UMBC starter Eddie Sargent from the game. The pitching change wouldn't benefit the Retrievers, as Alex McCoy was able to drive a pitch to center field for three runs and a 5-3 lead.

Once again in the sixth UMBC was able to take advantage of free bases, getting their fourth run of the game on a wild pitch and then a hit by pitch with the bases loaded.

The deficit wouldn't last long for the Hawks, grabbing the lead back in the bottom of the frame, once again working two-out magic by Kyle Cincinnati walking and Horner singling to put runners on. Mayes would take full advantage of the opportunity, knocking the Hawks second three-run homer to right center – making it an 8-5 game.

"Right time, right spot," Phillips said. "You couldn't ask for anything better and when he hit it you knew it was going out too. Ended up being the game winner, so it came at a good time."

Not giving up, UMBC would grab a run in the seventh and eighth, giving the Hawks just a one run advantage heading into the ninth. Coming in for his second save opportunity, Caden Parker would shut down the opposition to secure the win for the Hawks.

"I've got all the confidence in him," Phillips said. "I'm going to put him in that spot, in that situation, any time I get a chance to. He's going to go out there and give it his all."

Horner, Mayes and Oxyer each finished the game with two hits a piece; Mayes and McCoy led the way with three RBIs a piece thanks to their long balls. Brandon Gomez would pick up the win for the Hawks in a game that they truly showed resilience as the staff allowed 11 walks and hit five batters, overcoming dire runners-on situations.

It's the first win as skipper for Phillips, stepping into the interim head coach role on Tuesday.

"To manage your first Division 1 victory – just a Division 1 game – it makes it surreal," Phillips said. "Having the guys behind you, that's what matters most. Seeing the guys having fun and doing what they do, getting my first win, I'll always remember it."

The Hawks are back to Northeast Conference play this weekend, heading to Brooklyn, New York to take on Long Island University in a three-game series starting on Friday (March 17) at 3:00 p.m.

Follow the action on Twitter via @ESHawksBase.