Hempstead, NY - T.J. Thomas
' three-run double in the second inning gave Hofstra a 3-1 lead and the score would hold as the Pride used five pitchers in taking the second game of a Colonial Athletic Association series on a bitterly cold day at University Field.
Hofstra, which won the opener of the series, 5-4, on Friday, improves to 4-13 overall and evens its conference record at 4-4. Towson falls to 6-16-1, 2-6 in the CAA.
Both teams would generate the only scoring offense of the game in the second inning. The Tigers pushed one run across in their half of the inning as Aaron Parker led off and was hit by a 1-0 pitch from Pride starter Sean Monaghan
(East Meadow, NY), who was the last-minute replacement for intended starter Jared Rogers
(Flemington, NJ). Rogers was a late scratch after having some trouble getting loose in the bullpen prior to the game. Austin Harclerode then singled to put runners on first and second. Following a sacrifice bunt and a walk to load the bases, Dominic Fratantuono singled to center to drive home Parker.
The Pride battled right back in the bottom of the frame as Jared Hammer
(Flemington, NJ) laced a one-out single, Bryan Verbitsky
(Levittown, NY) walked and Matt Ford
(Lansing, NY) singled to load the bases for Thomas (Hicksville, NY). The junior right fielder drilled a 1-1 pitch from Towson starter Michael Trionfo into the left center gap for a three-RBI double.
Due to the weather and the fact that he hadn't started a game this season, Monaghan was lifted after two innings. The Pride then employed a series of relievers for no more than two innings at a time. Brett Schreiber
(Westbury, NY) came on in the third and pitched two innings of two-hit ball. Cody Normand
(North Kingstown, RI) allowed one hit and struck out two batters in his two innings. Everett Keller
(Port Washington, NY) threw one inning before Verbitsky, who started as the designated hitter, came on and three two scoreless innings for the save.
Schreiber was credited with the win, the first of his collegiate career. The save was Verbitsky's first as well.
Trionfo (0-4) took the loss, allowing three runs on three hits and three walks in four innings. Zach Umberger pitched four scoreless innings in relief, allowing two hits and two walks.
Towson out-hit the Pride, 7-5, with Fratantuono collecting two hits on the afternoon. Hammer was the only Hofstra player to have a multi-hit game.
The two teams conclude the series Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m.
