NEW CASTLE, Del. - - Junior Zach Rumford tossed a complete game shutout to cement a nonconference sweep against Goldey-Beacom, 8-3 and 7-0, on Wednesday afternoon at Wilson Field.
The Wildcats (24-13) used extra base hits to carry them to a victory in the opener before Zach Rumford only gave up five hits and stranded six for the complete game shutout in the nightcap. The Lightning (3-31) out-hit the Wildcats in the nightcap, but couldn't come up with the timely hit to snap the shutout.
In the opener, the Wildcats collected doubles from Kyle Fries, Dan Hyatt, and Frank Nigro, a triple from Julian Kurych, and Regan Hidalgo's first career home run for eight runs on 14 hits.
Max Carney started the scoring with a two-run single in the top of the first before the Wildcats tacked on three more in the top of the third. Kendall Small hit an RBI single before Hidalgo launched his solo shot to center field. Nigro scored Hyatt with another RBI single for the 5-0 lead.
Mike Annone hit a sacrifice fly in the fourth before two more runs in the sixth capped the scoring. Fries scored on a wild pitch before Small knocked in the final run on another RBI single.
Game one starter Justin Mears went six full innings to improve to 2-1 on the year, striking out three while only allowing a three-run homer as one of the eight hits allowed. Rudy Gervolino picked up two outs in the seventh before John Hetterman went 1.1 innings. Nick Grant tossed a perfect ninth inning to close out the win.
The Wildcats were out hit in the nightcap, but two runs in the third inning were more than enough for Rumford. Nick Macey opened the scoring by crossing on a wild pitch before Rocky Ferrier doubled in Hyatt.
The Wildcats added five more in the top of the sixth, while only recording one hit in the inning. Macey walked with the bases loaded to force in a run before a fielding error brought in two more. Jesse long then hit a two-run single through the left side to make it 7-0.
Rumford improved to 3-2 on the year with the win, striking out five while not allowing a walk. He only gave up five hits in the game.
The Wildcats remain home for their next three doubleheaders, starting on Friday against nationally No. 21 Felician. The nonconference doubleheader is scheduled to start at 12:00 p.m. at Wilson Field.
