MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - - Five of Molloy's 10 hits went for extra bases, including a pair of home runs, as the Lions defeated the Wilmington University baseball team, 10-5, on Saturday afternoon at the Polo Grounds at the Cal Ripken Experience.
A two-run homer in the top of the first put the Wildcats (2-1) behind the eight-ball and then a four-run fourth inning gave the Lions (3-3) some breathing room. John Mead collected three hits for the second time in three games to start the year, but it wasn't enough for the Wildcats.
A walk and homer put the Lions ahead, 2-0, in the first three batters of the game. But Nick Nocella got things going in the bottom of the first with a leadoff single and stolen base. Now with two outs, John Mead brought him in with an RBI single to cut the deficit in half, 2-1.
Kyle Maxwell settled in and set the Lions down in order in the second and third frames, but the Lions were able to get to the junior in the top of the fourth. Again starting with one out, the Lions put runners on second and third. A two-run single started the scoring before a pair of two-out singles plated two more and the Lions were leading 6-1.
The Wildcats put runners on second and third with one out in the fourth, but they could only score one run in the inning on an Erik Molinaro ground out.
But the Lions got that run right back with a solo homer in the top of the fifth.
John Mead tried to bring the Wildcats back into contention in the seventh, roping a two-run triple to the gap in left center. But he was left stranded at third and the Wildcats only got to within 7-4.
Molloy had an answer once again in the eighth however, scoring three runs on a pair of doubles to seal the victory.
Mead finished 3-for-4 with a triple and three RBI while Shawn Haut went 2-for-5 with a double. Erik Molinaro and Jack McDonald each had an RBI as well.
Kyle Maxwell took the loss after throwing 3.2 innings while picking up five strikeouts. Scott Borgmann pitched a clean ninth inning in his collegiate debut.
The Wildcats have one final game in Myrtle Beach on Sunday, as they face Bridgeport on Crosley Field. The get-a-way game is slated for a 12:00 p.m. first pitch.