SUMMARY
Despite five shutout innings from starting pitcher Justin Spencer, the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks dropped the rubber match against the Stonehill Skyhawks, 7-5.
THE SCORE
Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks - 5
Stonehill Skyhawks - 7
(Stonehill wins the series 2-1)
HOW IT HAPPENED
On a cold, sunny day in Easton Massachusetts, UMES and Stonehill got into a pitcher's duel that spanned the first five innings. Justin Spencer got the start on the mound for the Maroon and Grey and thrived, pitching five scoreless innings while striking out eight Skyhawks.
In the top of the sixth inning, Bronson Taylor drove in Julian Jimenez on an RBI ground out to give the Hawks an early advantage, 1-0. Despite Stonehill not scoring in the opening few innings, the Skyhawks strung together competitive at bats that drove up Spencer's pitch count. The strong plate appearances by Stonehill forced the Hawks into their bullpen, and the Skyhawks capitalized on the pitching changes. After Spencer was driven out of the game, Stonehill built a five-run lead by rattling off four runs in the sixth inning and three runs in the seventh inning while the Hawks only could respond with an RBI ground out by Danny Sadler Jr.
While the Skyhawks offense hit their stride, the Hawk offense also found success against the bullpen of the opposition. Trailing 7-2 in the eighth inning, Taylor ripped a single down the right field line to drive in Ansel Carson. After that dynamic play, Jonathan Gonzalez-Perez drove in Julian Jimenez on a ground out. Lastly, Jason Brown scorched a single to left field to drive in Taylor and decrease the deficit to two runs. Unfortunately for UMES, Stonehill's closing pitcher entered the game and halted the Hawks offensive momentum for the rest of the game, giving Stonehill a close victory, 7-5.
THE NUMBERS
The Hawks recorded five runs on eight hits and one error while Stonehill finished with seven runs on 11 hits and one error.
Justin Spencer finished the game with five innings pitched, no runs given up, and eight strikeouts. The sophomore from Nanticoke, Pennsylvania pitched a career-high in innings pitched and a career-high eight strikeouts
Jason Brown finished 2-for-4 at the plate with an RBI, recording his second multi-hit game of the last four games.
Julian Jimenez finished the game 2-for-4, recording his third multi-hit game in his last four games.
TOP PERFORMERS OF THE SERIES:
Julian Jimenez - In three starts, finished 4-for-13 at the plate with four RBI, two home runs, and three walks. Jiminez went 2-for-4 with two homers and four RBI in win against Stonehill on Friday.
Jonathan Gonzalez Perez - In three starts, Gonzalez bat 7-for-13 with four RBI and a double. The catcher / designated hitter went 5/5 with three RBI and a double in Friday's 14-3 win over the Skyhawks. Gonzalez is now batting .394 on the season which leads the team.
Jonah Stepner - In his one start he earned the win with six innings pitched with just two runs given up and four strikeouts in UMES' 14-3 win against Stonehill. Stepner leads the team in innings pitched and ERA.
Bronson Taylor - In two starts, Taylor finished 4-for-9 with a double and 3 RBI. On Friday, Taylor went 2-for-4 with an RBI in the win. Taylor is one of three Hawks that is batting above .300.
Tha'Mon McGriff - In one appearance, McGriff recorded three innings pitched with a strikeout. McGriff earned his first career save in Friday's win against Stonehill. McGriff is tied for the team lead in saves.
UP NEXT
With this loss, the Hawks fall to 4-18 (3-6) on the season. Maryland Eastern Shore will take a short break from NEC play to take on non-conference foe Navy. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Wednesday in Annapolis.
FOLLOW ALONG
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