University of Delaware Athletics
University of Delaware
Towson
Blue Hens Unable to Overcome Big First Inning, Fall to Towson 6-1
5/15/2015 6:12:00 PM | Baseball
Box Score
NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware baseball team was unable to overcome Towson's six-run first inning as the Tigers defeated the Blue Hens 6-1, Friday in a Colonial Athletic Association contest at Bob Hannah Stadium.
The Blue Hens, who clinched the No. 5 seed with Thursday's victory, was never able to solve Towson starter Kevin Ross who tossed a complete game to earn his third win of the season.
Jim ShermanAfter being pulled from the rotation last weekend, Chad Martin made the start for the Hens Friday. The right-hander struggled early, but was able to settle in after the first inning.
The Tigers (17-34-2, 9-14 CAA) scored six runs on three hits in the opening frame. After Mark Grunberg led off the inning with a pop out, seven straight Towson batters reached base. Colin Dyer provided a two-run single, while Tristan Howerton and Richie Blosser each posted an RBI in the frame.
Martin allowed just two more hits in the game as he went five innings, struck out four, and only four of the six runs allowed were earned.
The Blue Hens (22-22, 10-13 CAA) were only able to get two runners past second base in the contest and UD's lone run came when Zach Lopes scored from third on a wild pitch in the sixth inning.
Norm Donkin was the only Blue Hen to record a multi-hit game, while four other UD batters posted one hit each.
Following Friday's victory, the Tigers need a win in Saturday's series finale to clinch the No. 6 seed in next week's CAA Tournament. If Towson loses, William & Mary will claim the final spot.
The Blue Hens and Tigers will conclude their three-game set tomorrow. Delaware will honor the 10 graduating seniors on the squad in a senior day ceremony before the game. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Bob Hannah Stadium.
HEN SCRATCHINGS
· Greg Olenski, Joe Giacchino, Jeremy Ake, and Lopes tallied one hit each for Delaware in the loss.
· Andrew Pechstein and Eric Sawyer combined to pitch the final four innings and allowed just two hits without surrendering a run.
· Friday was the 121st meeting between the two programs and Delaware now leads the all-time series 79-42.
· Towson has won four of the last six meetings against the Hens.
· Ross allowed six hits and one earned run, while striking out seven for Towson.
· With his double in the fourth inning, Olenski now leads Delaware with 13 two-baggers this season.
· Dyer led the Tigers with two hits and two RBI, while four Towson batters registered one hit.
· Austin Niggebrugge made his second start of the season for UD in Friday's game.
AGATE
Towson....................600 000 000 - 6 - 6 - 1
Delaware................000 001 000 - 1 - 6 - 4
D: Martin, Pechstein (6), Sawyer (7); T: Ross: DP: D - 1; LOB: D - 8, T - 6; 2B: Olenski (D), Grunberg (T); WP: Ross (3-6); LP: Martin (2-5); Attendance: 224.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Joe Wirth | jwirth@udel.edu (email) | 302-831-6519 (office) | 484-883-2804 (cell)
