MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - - A five-run sixth inning hindered the Wilmington University baseball team against nationally seventh ranked Franklin Pierce on Saturday, as the Ravens went on to a 7-2 victory on day two of the team's trip to Myrtle Beach and the Ripken Experience.
The Wildcats (2-1) couldn't get the bats going as freely as they did on Friday, collecting just five hits while giving up eight hits and five earned runs. Franklin Pierce was able to get to the bullpen of the Wildcats after Sean Deely produced five strong innings in his Wildcats debut.
The Wildcats did strike first however, as Rocky Ferrier hit a one out triple to right in the third. Julian Kurych was able to get one deep enough into the outfield for the sacrifice fly and the 1-0 lead.
Deely dealt the first five innings of the game, allowing just three hits and two walks while striking out a pair. He was able to induce a 6-4-3 double play in the second inning after the first two Ravens collected hits to start the inning.
But things unraveled for the Wildcats in the top of the sixth, as the Ravens scored a pair on a dropped third strike and throwing error to start the frame. Franklin Pierce than loaded the bases with only one out in the inning before a double brought in two more for the 4-1 lead. Another passed ball in the inning allowed the fifth and final run to cross the plate for the 5-1 lead.
The Wildcats had two runners on with only one out in the seventh, but the Ravens were able to escape without any damage. They also added a pair of two-out runs in the top of the eighth to extend the lead once more.
The Wildcats again threatened in the eighth, loading the bases with only one out. An fielder's choice and error allowed a run to come home and keep the bases loaded, but the Ravens once against escaped without further damage, picking up a strikeout and a line out to end the frame.
Ferrier went 2-for-5 with a triple while Mike Annone, Nick Macey, and Max Carney also collected hits in the loss. Rudy Gervolino was saddled with the loss by allowing five runs (three earned) in the sixth inning.
The Wildcats wrap up their Myrtle Beach trip on Sunday with another NE-10 program, as they square off against New Haven starting at 12:00 p.m.
