Copyright 2016; Wilmington University. All rights reserved. File photo of Rocky Ferrier against Chestnut Hill, taken by Frank Stallworth.
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. - - Early run support and the arms of nine Wilmington University baseball players helped the team defeat Bridgeport, 5-0, to snap a three-game losing streak on Tuesday at Harbor Yard.
The Wildcats (11-20) jumped out to a lead of 2-0 after the first and 3-0 after the third inning while a new pitcher every inning shut down the Purple Knights (17-13-1). It is the first time in three attempts the Wildcats took down Bridgeport this season. The Purple Knights are currently ranked seventh in the latest NCBWA East Regional Poll.
The offense put the Wildcats in front before the defense even took the field, as Christian Adorno started things off with a single to third base. A sacrifice bunt and a grounder put Adorno on third base, but Rocky Ferrier hit a two-out single to right to put the Wildcats on the board, 1-0. An error placed Ferrier on second and Brooks Ryan made the error hurt with another two-out single, bringing in Ferrier for a quick 2-0 lead.
Zach Rumford tossed the first scoreless inning before Chris Lopez struck out a pair in his inning of work in the second. Adorno was the catalyst again in the third, as he started the frame with a single to center. Now with runners on first and second, Ferrier stepped up again with an RBI single to left, giving the Wildcats a 3-0 lead as Adorno scored.
Rudy Gervolino, Dan Hyatt, and Kendall Small each struck out a batter in a scoreless inning on the mound, brining up Ryan to start the sixth. Ryan doubled down the right field line before a deep fly ball to center allowed him to move to third. Matt Alexander hit a comebacker through the mound that glanced off the pitcher and towards second base, allowing Brooks to score for the 4-0 lead.
Brad Scull struck out two in his scoreless frame before Kyle Fries and Tyler Newton each added a strikeout each to get to the ninth inning. A pair of walks in the inning allowed Max Carney to step up with another two-out single, bringing in Jesse Long to cap the scoring. Noah Latshaw then shut the down in the ninth, picking up a strikeout while not allowing a run for the team's third shutout of the season.
Adorno, Ferrier, and Ryan led the offense with two hits each, as Ferrier picked up a team high two RBI. Zach Rumford picked up the win in the designated bullpen day, moving to 2-3 on the season.
The Wildcats will look to make it two wins in two days, as they head to Delaware to face their in-state, Division I rival in their annual matchup at Bob Hannah Stadium. The first pitch is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.