Baltimore, Md. - Nolan Gaige went 2-for-4, scoring five runs and driving in five more to lead UAlbany to a 20-4 in over UMBC in the first game, while the Retrievers used a single by Jason Allinder to score two runs in the bottom of the tenth for a 5-4 win in the nightcap of an America East Conference baseball doubleheader on Friday at Baseball Factory Field. The teams will return to action tomorrow for another twinbill.
The Great Danes scored in all but one inning in the seven-frame first game. UAlbany scored a single run in the first, before plating six in the second to take a 7-0 advantage. UMBC got on the board in the bottom of the second, but the Great Danes responded with another run in the third to hold onto a seven-run lead. After three runs in the fourth, UAlbany got shutout in the fifth, but responded with three runs in the sixth and another six in the seventh for the 20-run total.
Gaige, along with first baseman Greg Muller and third baseman Joey Tracy, finished with three hits. Muller recorded two doubles, while Gaige and Tracy each knocked out triples. Gaige, who was responsible for eight runs - scoring three and driving in five - also recorded a stolen base and drew one walk, without a strikeout. Pete DiResta, who hit a double, Tracy and shortstop Gordon Madej also all recorded multiple RBI.
On the mound, Sean Lucas went six innings, scattering just four hits while striking out six opposing batters. Cameron Sorgie came in for the final inning of work. Shane Vlasic took the loss for the Retrievers after four innings of work, allowing seven earned runs while issuing just one strikeout.
In game two, both teams got on the board in the third inning, and added single runs in the fifth for a 2-2 tie. UAlbany broke the tie in the sixth with a single run, but the Retrievers knotted the game back up with a run in the bottom of the seventh. After nine complete innings with the score tied, the Great Danes plated a single run in the top of the tenth before Allinder knocked in two runs in the bottom of the frame to seal up the win for UMBC.
Left fielder D.J. Hoagboon led the Great Danes with three of UAlbany's 10 hits, while Gaige and Muller recorded two each. Muller knocked out his third double of the day, while Hoagboon also recorded an extra-base hit. Gaige also recorded two stolen bases in the game. On the mound, Kasceim Graham went six and a third innings, scattering five hits and striking out two. UMBC starter Matt Siggins went seven and two thirds innings, with four strikeouts. Reliever Josh Dick earned the win after two and a third, fanning two.
UAlbany (10-25-1, AE 4-5) and UMBC (8-27, AE 1-8) will return to action on Saturday, completing the four-game series at Baseball Factory Field.
