SUMMARY

On a sunny day at Meritus Ballpark, the Towson Tigers outscored the Hawks, 9-3, across the last 4 innings en route to defeating the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks, 13-9.

THE SCORE

Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks - 9

Towson Tigers - 13

(Towson wins series 2-1)

HOW IT HAPPENED

After a stalemate throughout the opening two innings, Towson took a 4-1 lead into the fifth inning. The only run scored by UMES was on an RBI double from Ryan Davis driving in Bronson Taylor. The Hawks followed up the slow start on offense with a five-run fifth frame. First, Ansel Carson laced an RBI single through the left side to score Josh Caldwell. The Hawks would then score their third run of the day when Elijah Negron stole home while Towson was busy trying to pick off Ansel Carson at second base. To up the ante, Diego Aponte continued his breakout weekend with a go-ahead two-RBI single to both drive in Bronson Taylor and Julian Jimenez and give the Maroon and Grey their first lead of the day. Lastly, Josh Caldwell drew a walk in a bases loaded situation, further padding the Hawks' lead to 6-4. 

After a strong answer by the Tigers in the sixth inning, the Hawks found themselves trailing the Tigers, 7-6. Maryland Eastern Shore responded by scratching another run when Elijah Negron beat out a throw to the first base bag on a double play opportunity, allowing Aponte to score the tying run. Going into the seventh inning stretch, the game was deadlocked.

Unfortunately for Maryland Eastern Shore, Towson's offense went on to tally six runs in the seventh and eighth innings. Despite a two run homer by Ansel Carson in the ninth inning, the Hawks ultimately came up short to the Tigers, falling by four runs to their in-state foes.

THE NUMBERS

The Hawks finished with nine runs on 13 hits and two errors while the Tigers finished with 13 runs on 12 hits and one error.

The Hawks drew 10 walks while the Tigers drew 8 walks.

Despite going 1-3 in their last four games, UMES has outhit their opponents in three of their last four games.

Ansel Carson and Bronson Taylor each finished the day with three base hits. This is the first multi-hit game for Carson as a member of the Hawks. Carson also recorded his first home run of the season. Taylor recorded his second game this season with three or more hits. 

Diego Aponte and Ryan Davis each recorded multi-hit games for the second consecutive game.

Freshmen Josh Caldwell and Eli Negron each amassed an RBI 

TOP PERFORMANCES OF THE SERIES:

Ansel Carson and Ryan Howe each had their first home runs of the season against Towson.

Diego Aponte had a breakout series going 7-for-13 with 6 RBI and recorded multi-hit games in each of the three matchups against Towson.

Ryan Davis continued his hot streak with 7 base hits in the series.

Hunter Allen and Wilfredo Morales each earned their first win and save as UMES Hawks respectively.

Ryan Howe achieved his 100th career hit.

UP NEXT

With this loss, the Tigers win the three-game series over the Hawks. UMES will look to get back in the win column in their home opener against Mount St. Mary's on Wednesday. 

FOLLOW ALONG

Keep up with the latest from UMES baseball on UMESHawkSports.com and by following along on X (@UMESHawkBase) and Instagram (@umeshawksbase).