HEMPSTEAD, New York ?“ Drexel scored five runs on one hit in the fifth inning to break open a scoreless game and the Dragons held on to defeat Hofstra, 6-2, in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) action on Sunday afternoon at University Field. Hofstra junior starting pitcher Ryan Cosentino (East Brunswick, NJ/East Brunswick), who had not allowed a hit through the first four innings, walked six and hit one batter in the inning.

The Dragons only had three hits on the day, but the nine walks and two hit batters allowed Drexel to end their two game skid and improve to 12-34 overall and 3-17 in the CAA. Hofstra, who was looking for their first series sweep since March 31 ?“ April 1, 2001 (Hartford ?“ four games), falls to 12-35 and 5-15 in conference play.

Neither team could muster any offense through the first four innings, as a Cosentino single in the third and a bunt single by Hofstra senior first baseman Will Palmer (Fairport, NY/Penfield) in the fourth were the lone hits in the game to that point.

In the fifth inning, Drexel sent 11 batters to the plate, scoring the five runs but leaving the bases loaded. Junior designated hitter Josh Yocum (Sinking Spring, PA/Wilson) reached base twice in the inning on a walk and a single, and drove in one run and scored one as well.

Both teams scored one run in the sixth, Drexel's came on a fielder's choice and Hofstra scored on a RBI single to center from freshman second baseman Ricky Caputo (Miller Place, NY/Miller Place).

The Pride would score their final run of the game in the seventh when Caputo drew a bases loaded walk, scoring sophomore center fielder Josh Stewart (Bloomsburg, PA/Bloomsburg Area).

Hofstra had their chances to make a game of it, as they left the bases loaded in both the sixth and seventh innings and left a total of 11 runners on base.

Palmer had two hits in four at bats for the Pride in his final game, while Caputo drove in both Hofstra runs and went 1-for-2 at the plate.

Drexel junior pitcher Jarame Beaupre (Widefield, CO/Mesa Ridge) picked up his fifth win of the season after working seven innings, allowing seven hits, two runs (one earned) and striking out four.

Cosentino took the loss, allowing two hits, six runs, nine walks and striking out two in 5.1 innings of work.