April 3, 2011
Game 1 Box Score | Game 2 Box Score |
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Bronx, N.Y. -
Taking advantages of Fordham miscues throughout the day, the Albany Great Danes swept a baseball doubleheader from the Fordham Rams at Houlihan Park on Sunday by scores of 4-3 and 6-4. The losses put Fordham's record at 16-11 on the season.
In game one, the Fordham defense was the story, as the Rams committed six errors, leading to four unearned runs and a 4-3 loss to the Great Danes.
Albany got two runs in the third on a hit and two errors. With the bases loaded and two outs, Fordham catcher Ryan David tried to pickoff Jeff Welsh at first base, but his throw went wide, allowing two runs to score.
Albany increased the lead to 4-0 with single runs in the fifth and seventh innings. In the fifth, it was two more Fordham errors that led to an unearned run, while in the seventh, Brian Bullard plated a run with a sacrifice fly, a run that was also caused due to an error.
Fordham mounted a comeback in the ninth, as Chris Walker opened with a single to left. After a pair of outs, Stephen McSherry drew a walk, and was followed with a two-run triple by Ryan Maghini to make it a 4-2 game. Alex Kenny then hit a slow roller down the third base line, which just stayed fair, allowing Maghini to score and leave the Rams down one, 4-3. However, Austin Chase got Nick Martinez to pop up to third to end the game in favor of Albany.
Max Krakowiak (3-3) was the hard luck loser, allowing three unearned runs on four hits in six innings of work, while reliever Tim Swatek allowed one unearned run on two hits in three relief innings.
At the plate, Walker was 3-for-4 with two doubles while Kenny was 2-for-4 with an RBI.
In game two, Albany's Nolan Gaige went 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBI to lead the Great Danes to a 6-4 win over the Rams.
Fordham took the initial lead at 3-0 in the second inning, which began with Walker's third double of the doubleheader. Ryan David was then hit by a pitch, but he was erased on a fielder's choice by Swatek. Walker then scored on a wild pitch, which was followed by a Maghini RBI-single. Maghini then stole second with Mike Mauri drawing a walk. Martinez followed with an infield single, scoring Maghini for a three-run lead.
Albany got a single run in the top of third, but Fordham got that run right back on an RBI-single by David, scoring Ryan Lee, who singled to left and moved to third on a single by Walker.
Albany then made it 4-2 with a run in the fourth, and then tied the game at four in the fifth on a two-run home run by Gaige, his second of the season.
The Great Danes scored again in the sixth to take their first lead of the game at 5-4 on a sacrifice fly by Josy Espinal, and later increased the lead to 6-4 in the eighth on an RBI-double by Joe Ilacqua.
The Rams did have an opportunity at a comeback in the ninth, as McSherry singled with two outs to get the potential tying run to the plate, but pinch hitter Joe Russo flew out to center to end the game.
Chris Pike (3-1) took the loss, allowing five runs on seven hits in six innings of work with four strikeouts. Rich Anastasi pitched two innings of relief allowing one run, with Joseph Charest pitching a scoreless ninth inning.
At the plate, Walker was 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored, as Fordham managed just eight hits in the game.
The Fordham baseball team will next be in action on Wednesday, April 6th, when the Rams travel to New York Tech for a 3:00 PM contest in Old Westbury, N.Y.
