Copyright 2016; Wilmington University. All rights reserved. Photo of Rocky Ferrier, taken by Joseph Craig.
NEW CASTLE, Del. - - The Wilmington University baseball team out hit its opponent, 9-6, but the Wildcats could only scratch across a single run as Bridgeport took a 2-1 decision at Wilson Field on Tuesday afternoon.
The small ball game escaped the Wildcats (6-14) on Tuesday, as they failed to move runners along with missed sacrifice opportunities. Bridgeport (13-8-1) scored a pair of runs in the fourth inning, getting an RBI groundout and scoring on an error.
The Wildcats had an opportunity to get on the board first in the bottom of the second as Christian Adorno led off the frame with a double. But a bunt opportunity went awry before a liner and a strikeout ended the threat with Adorno still standing on second.
The offense got on the board in the bottom of the sixth inning, cutting the deficit in half. With two outs and the bases empty, Dan Hyatt and Adorno hit back-to-back singles to put runners on the corners. Brooks Ryan followed with another single, hitting one back up the middle to score Hyatt.
Another two out rally fell short in the seventh, as Nick Macey and Jesse Long singled to put the tying run on second. But Max Carney grounded out to end the threat and keep the deficit at 2-1.
Julian Kurych was hit by a pitch to start the eighth, but a strikeout, a fielder's choice, and a line out kept the runner at first as the inning ended.
Rocky Ferrier started the bottom of the ninth inning off with a single into left field, but another bunt opportunity was missed with a pop up to first. Ferrier was able to steal second but the Purple Knights buckled down and induced a ground out and fly out to right to end the game.
Kyle Fries started the game and struck out a batter in the first three innings before turning it over to the bullpen. Rumford allowed two runs (one earned) in his inning before Jay Kluka went 1-2-3 in the fifth. Tyler Newton tossed three scoreless innings while only allowing one hit and a walk before Noah Latshaw tossed a perfect ninth.
Hyatt. Adorno, and Ferrier all collected two hits for the Wildcats, with Adorno hitting the only extra base hit.
The Wildcats return to the field quickly, as they head to Kutztown for another nonconference game on Wednesday. First pitch against the Golden Bears is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
