PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - - The Wilmington University baseball team got back in the win column on Friday, sweeping Chestnut Hill in a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference South Division doubleheader, 8-6 and 6-4, at Latshaw-McCarthy Field.
The bats came alive in the opener for the Wildcats (12-12, 9-3 CACC), as they amassed 13 hits, including three extra base hits in the 8-6 victory. The Wildcats then jumped out early in the nightcap before scoring a much needed three insurance runs in the fifth to hold off the Griffins (8-12, 4-6 CACC) for the sweep.
Game One:
The offense started quickly for the Wildcats in the opener, scoring one in the top of the first and three more in the top of the second for a 4-0 lead.
With two outs and the bases empty, Max Carney started a rally with a double to left field. Kendall Small followed with an RBI single to center field to put the Wildcats in front, 1-0.
It was another two-out rally in the top of the second, as Kyle Fries hit a two-out RBI double to center before Brooks Ryan capped it with a two-run blast to left center for the 4-0 lead.
Game one starter Zach Rumford allowed three runs in the bottom of the third inning, but shut the Griffins down before getting into trouble again in the sixth. The first two Griffins reached with a double and single, but Rumford induced a double play, tying the game, 4-4, but clearing the bases.
The Wildcats answered in the top of the seventh, scoring four runs to regain an 8-4 lead. Kendall Small hit an RBI single with the bases loaded for the first run before Nick Grant walked to force in another run. Brett Nowell stepped in and singled into right field for two more runs with two outs in the inning for the 8-4 advantage.
The Griffins weren't done however, as Matthew Owens homered to left to bring the home team to within 8-6, knocking Rumford from the game. Reliever Matt Frost closed out the seventh, keeping the score there. He also tossed a scoreless eighth to get to Justin Mears in the ninth.
Mears allowed two runners on with one out, but picked up a big strikeouts before getting a ground ball to end the game, 8-6.
Brooks Ryan went 2-for-4 with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored. Kendall Small went 3-for-5 with two RBI while Christian Adorn, Max Carney, and Frank Nigro all collected two hits as well. Brett Nowell went 1-for-3 with two RBI.
Game Two:
The Wildcats again scored quickly in the nightcap, getting on top with a three-run second inning.
With the bases loaded and one out, Kyle Fries was hit by a pitch to force in a run. Two runs came home on a Brooks Ryan fielders' choice and ensuing throwing error for the 3-0 lead.
The Griffins chipped away with single runs in the bottom of the third and bottom of the fourth off Wildcat starter Brad Scull, but the Wildcats responded with another three-run fifth inning to gain by control.
The first three batters reached for the Wildcats in th fifth, getting singles from Dakota Graham, Brooks Ryan, and Christian Adorno. Adorno's single brought in Graham from second for the 4-2 lead. Max Carney grounded out but brought in another run before Kendall Small tripled to right center to easily score Adorno for the 6-2 lead.
Scull allowed a leadoff double and another single in the sixth, bringing in Tyler Campbell out of the bullpen. With runners on second and third, the Griffins grounded out to score the first run, before another ground out brought in the second run of the inning to bring the game to 6-4.
Zach Frederick relieved Noah Latshaw with the tying run on first base in the bottom of the ninth, inducing a fly ball to end the game for his first collegiate save.
Brad Scull allowing four runs (three earned) on eight hits in five innings, striking out three batters while allowing five walks. He improved to 6-1 on the season with the win.
Brooks Ryan went 2-for-4 with an RBI while Kendall Small went 2-for-4 with a triple and an RBI.
Up Next:
Saturday's doubleheader against Dominican at Wilson field has already been postponed and will now be played on Sunday, April 15 at Wilson Field starting at 12:00 p.m.
The Wildcats are now back in action on Wednesday, April 11 when they return to Philadelphia to face USciences in another CACC South Division clash. The first pitch at Richie Ashburn Field is set for 1:00 p.m.