Amherst, Mass. – (April 8, 2022) – Behind an eight-run fourth inning, the Massachusetts Minutemen were able to hold off a late Fordham surge to pull out a series opening 8-5 win at Earl Lorden Field in Amherst, Massachusetts on Friday.
All of the Minutemen (12-9-1, 3-1 A10) offense came in the fourth inning, as they plated eight runs in the frame, which began with a two-run home run by Mike Gervasi. Later in the frame, Jacob Sloss had a two-run double, while Cole Hebble had an RBI-double with Collin Shapiro having an RBI-single. The scoring closed with a two-run single by Kevin Skagerlind.
Fordham got on the scoreboard in the seventh inning, as the Rams got runners to second and third with one out.
Zach Selinger then scored from third on a ground out by
Jason Coules.
The Rams then had a big ninth-inning rally, sending nine batters to the plate, eventually sending the tying run to the plate. After singles by Selinger and
Will Findlay, Coules connected on a one-out RBI-single to score Selinger for the second time in the game. Fordham then loaded the bases and scored on a bases loaded walk to
Nico Boza.
Another run came home on a fielder's choice by
C.J. Vazquez with
Cian Sahler knocking in another with an RBI-single, making it an 8-5 game with two on and two outs. UMass' starter Kevin Dow was removed for Cole Koeppel, who was able to get
Andy Semo to fly out to end the game.
Dow improved to 5-1 on the season, allowing five runs on 12 hits with four strikeouts, while Koeppel recorded his first save.
Cameron Knox (2-2) took the loss for Fordham, who aside from the fourth inning, allowed just two hits over his remaining five innings of work with five strikeouts.
Anthony Scarlata and Beau Rottman finished the game with one scoreless inning of relief each. At the plate, Sahler was 4-for-5 with a double and an RBI, while Coules went 2-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored. Selinger also had two hits and two runs scored in the game.
Game two of this series is set for 1:00 PM on Saturday.
