EMMITSBURG, Maryland – The University of Maryland Eastern Shore used a strong offensive burst early against Mount St. Mary's in a 5-4 win against the Mountaineers on Sunday, April 23 at E.T. Straw Family Stadium.
"We played some good defense, made some good pitches and came away with a tough win against a good Mount St. Mary's team," interim head coach
Shawn Phillips said.
The Hawks jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning thanks to two errors that scored
Brantley Cutler from first following his two out single.
Ryan Howe followed up with a single to center field, scoring
Alex McCoy, who also reached on a Mountaineer error.
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Dillon Oxyer hit-by-pitch got things started in the third inning for the Hawks, as he was able to score when McCoy doubled to left field to move him over and Howe drove him in with his second hit of the day.
Kyle Cincinnati followed up with a sacrifice bunt, scoring the speedy McCoy from third base to put the Hawks up by four runs.
In the top of the fourth
Brian Cordell continued his hot streak with a no-doubt home run to right field, his second of the season, giving the Hawks a 5-0 lead.
"We needed production at the top of the lineup, and he's done it ever since he's been there, it's good to see at the top," Phillips said. "It gets our offense going and it's good to see him have a good year, a lot of good things to say about him."
Mount St. Mary's wouldn't go quietly, rattling off a big four-run inning in the bottom of the fourth to threaten the Hawk lead. The Mount was able to grab a solo shot to right, then knocked three run-scoring hits to keep it close.
"A lot of things didn't go our way that inning, there was nothing he (Evan) did wrong," Phillips said. "He made good pitches. Couple things went their way, nothing Evan did wrong, it just went that way."
A tight game was no worry for the Hawk bullpen, as the duo of
Nick Gatton and
Caden Parker shut down the Mountaineers during their combined three innings of work. Gatton, the transfer from Hartford, worked two scoreless, and Parker, always for theatrics, gave up a double before a strikeout and flyout to give him his seventh save of the season.
"He always makes it interesting, but he gives it his all, he's always going to give it his all," Phillips said. "He makes good pitches, quality pitches – always makes it interesting – but he gets the job done."
The save moves Parker into first place in a season for the Hawks since 1992.
"I love every part about this role," Parker said. "I thrive in the high intensity situations – the pressure just makes me perform and brings out my best."
With the win the Hawks move to 12-26 on the season and Navy awaits for the midweek on Wednesday (April 26) before returning to Northeast Conference play against long-time Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference rival Norfolk State in a three-game series on Friday (April 28).
Follow the action on Twitter via @ESHawksBase.
