MONTGOMERY, Ala. (March 15, 2017) – Senior
Zeph Walters collected two hits, but the Stevens Institute of Technology baseball team could not get the offense on track, and fell to the Huntingdon College Hawks, 5-0, Wednesday.
Senior
Michael Mule' reached base twice and stole a base, but the Ducks could not solve C.J. Sauce (2-1) and four relievers, who allowed only seven baserunners on the afternoon.
"Our offense simply could not get going today," head coach
Kristaps Aldins said. "We put some guys on base in the middle and late innings, but could not get the key hit with runners in scoring position that would have pulled us within reach."
The Ducks had their best opportunity for a run in the fifth. With Ryan Smith on the mound, Mule' worked a leadoff walk and moved to second on a passed ball. The center fielder advanced to third on a passed ball, but
Matthew Pasko flied to center to end the threat.
The Hawks stuck for three runs in the third and two in the third off
Andrew Hamel (0-3). Five different players tallied an RBI for Huntingdon, punctuated by Cade Conville's single through the right side that extended the Huntingdon lead to five.
After allowing the early runs, Hamel settled down and retired seven of his final eight batters. The tall lefty allowed five runs on eight hits.
Drew Hanke and
Ryan Larsen allowed only one hit over the final three innings in relief of Hamel. It was the second career appearance on the mound for Hanke and Larsen's first appearance of the season.
"The bullpen was very good today," Aldins added. "Hanke and Larsen competed well and this bodes well for the weeks head."
Junior
Alex Detweiler had his first plate appearance in almost two years and freshman
John Hamill drew his first career walk.
"It was nice to get some of our younger guys in the game during the later innings, giving them valuable experience on this spring trip," Aldins shared.
Up Next: The Ducks return to Georgia for the final two games of the 2017 Spring Break trip. First up is a matchup in La Grange with No. 9/No. 7 La Grange College. First pitch scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
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