CALDWELL, N.J. - - The Wilmington University baseball team snapped a three-game losing streak with a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference cross divisional sweep at Caldwell on Saturday, 6-1 and 7-4, at the Kiwanis Oval.
Ryan Sandberg pitched a complete game in the opener and the Wildcats (12-4, 12-4 CACC) broke a 4-4 tie in the top of the fifth in game two to sweep the Cougars (8-12, 6-10 CACC).
GAME 1:
The Cougars jumped out in front of the Wildcats with a run in the bottom of the third, but the Wildcats scored single runs in the fourth, fifth, and six innings, and then put the game away with a three-run seventh.
The Wildcats had a chance to score in the top of the first, but Dan Hyatt was tagged out at the plate attempting to score on a pop up in shallow left, tracked down by the shortstop.
After Sandberg got the first two outs of the third, the Cougars hit a double and a single to get on the board, 1-0.
The Wildcats tied the game in the top of the fourth, getting a two-out RBI single of their own from JJ Killen. They took the lead in the top of the fifth inning, as Joey Cautillo singled back up the middle to score Shawn Haut.
Sandberg left a one-out triple on third base in the bottom of the fifth, and the Wildcats added an insurance run in the top of the sixth. With two outs and runners on first and third, a throwing error allowed Quintin Ivy to come home for the 3-1 lead.
Joey Cautillo walked with one out in the seventh, and then was able to trot home as Dan Hyatt homered to left for the 5-1 advantage. Now with two outs, Brock Nowell doubled in Ivy to settle the score, 6-1.
Sandberg finished the game with a 1-2-3 seventh, improving to 2-1 on the year. He struck out four and allowed one run on nine hits and two walks.
Dan Hyatt was the only Wildcat with multiple hits, going 2-for-3 with two RBI.
GAME 2:
Game two was different for the Wildcats, as they jumped out to the early lead but had to hang on late to earn the sweep.
Dan Hyatt started the game with a leadoff single, and was quickly chased around the bases on an RBI double from Brock Nowell. Quintin Ivy traded places with Nowell with an RBI double and then JJ Killen made it 3-0 with an RBI single to right.
But the Cougars answered right back, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first off starter Tyler Campbell.
Ivy made it a 4-2 lead with an RBI single in the top of the second, but a two-run homer in the bottom of the third made it a brand new ball game, 4-4.
After a scoreless fourth, the Wildcats struck in the top of the fifth. With runners on second and third and one out, Jack McDonald pulled on through the right side, scoring both Ivy and Nowell for the 6-4 advantage.
Justin Barcoski left a one-out triple on third in the fifth and Brock Nowell added an insurance run in the top of the sixth with a two-out, ground rule double down the left field line to score Dan Hyatt.
Lance Hinton pitched a 1-2-3 inning in the sixth, but the Cougars brought the tying run to the plate in the seventh off Nick Robino. AJ Stento came on and induced a ground ball to short, ending the game, 7-4.
Brock Nowell batted 2-for-2 with two doubles, two RBI, and two runs scored while Quintin Ivy batted 2-for-3 with a double, two RBI, and two runs scored.
Xander Emberger earned the win with his scoreless fourth inning of work, his first career victory on the mound. AJ Stento picked up his first career save as well.
UP NEXT:
The Wildcats turn and around and square off against Chestnut Hill on Sunday afternoon at Wilson Field. The Griffins took the first game of the three-game series, 4-2, on Tuesday. The first pitch of the 9/7 doubleheader is scheduled for 12:00 p.m.