SUMMARY

Despite a 6.2-inning outing from Hunter Allen and a three-RBI game from Ansel Carson, the Wagner Seahawks staved off a ninth inning rally by the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks en route to winning game one of the series, 8-5, at SIUH Park.

THE SCORE

Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks - 5

Wagner Seahawks - 8

(Seahawks lead series 1-0)

HOW IT HAPPENED

On a sunny day in Staten Island, UMES wasted no time getting on the board. In the very first at bat of the game, Ansel Carson scorched a lead off home run to left field, putting the Hawks up 1-0 early. Wagner was not deterred by the fast start by Maryland Eastern Shore, answering with six runs in the first inning to take control of the game. 

In the third frame, Carson continued his strong day by lacing an RBI double to left field, driving in Michael Blackiston to get UMES their second run of the day. Defensively, Hunter Allen entered the game in relief in the first inning and pacified the Seahawks' bats for a season-high 6.2 innings. Aside from two unearned runs scored by Wagner due to an error and a passed ball, Allen's stellar pitching enabled UMES' lineup to rally.

In the top of the sixth inning, Jonathan Gonzalez Perez singled through the right side to drive in Jason Brown. With the Maroon and Grey trailin, 8-3, in the ninth inning, Michael Blakiston rolled a single in between the Wagner second baseman and shortstop to drive in Ryan Davis for the fourth run of the day for the Hawks. In the following at bat, Carson drove in Diego Aponte on a fielder's choice to get the Hawks within three runs and get the tying run at the plate. Unfortunately for Maryland Eastern Shore, Wagner's closer picked up a key strikeout to both retire the side in the ninth and end UMES' comeback effort.

THE NUMBERS

The Hawks totaled five runs on nine hits and one error while the Seahawks recorded eight runs on 13 hits and no errors.

Hunter Allen struck out four across a season-high 6.2 innings with a season-best zero earned runs allowed. Allen's previous high was a 5.1 inning outing against Bethune-Cookman on March 1, 2025.

Ansel Carson finished 2-for-5 at the plate with a home run, double, and a team-high three RBI. With his third home run, Carson now is tied with Ryan Davis and Julian Jimenez for the team lead in home runs.

Michael Blackiston finished 2-for-4 at the plate with a run scored and an RBI. This is Blackiston's first multi-hit game of the season. 

Diego Aponte finished 2-for-4 at the plate. Aponte now has his second consecutive multi-hit game.

UP NEXT

With this loss, the Hawks fall to 4-29 (3-16) on the season. Maryland Eastern Shore will look to snap their losing streak against Wagner in game two of the series. First pitch is scheduled for Noon at SIUH Park on Friday.

FOLLOW ALONG

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