Baseball Shut Out By Spartans In Game Two, 9-0

Photo: Gordon Madej went 2-for-4 in Saturday's game at UNCG.

Box Score (pdf)
Updated Season Stats

GREENSBORO, N.C. – So goes the game of baseball, the University at Albany suffered its lowest run output of the season a day after producing its largest, falling 9-0 to the University of North Carolina Greensboro Saturday afternoon. UAlbany will take a 1-6 record into Sunday's rubber match against the Spartans (5-3).

UNCG registered 14 hits off the Great Dane pitching staff, while UAlbany's bats were held to five. Sophomore Gordon Madej led the Danes with his 2-for-4 effort, while senior Nolan Gaige, junior D.J. Hoagboon, and senior Jeff Welsh each had one hit.

The Spartans took the lead for good in the bottom of the third inning, recording two runs with two outs off UAlbany starter Derek Zielinski (0-3). After sitting down the first two batters with a strikeout and groundout, a walk and bunt single set up Lloyd Enzor's RBI single to centerfield. One run scored on the hit and another unearned run crossed the plate on a wild throw amidst the relay.

UNCG added another run in the fourth, again on a two-out rally. The Spartans strung together three consecutive singles, capped by Zach Leach's run-scoring liner to center.

Leading 3-0, the hosts doubled their run output in the fifth, crossing the plate three times, as Cambric Moye and Shawn Hendon led off the frame with back-to-back singles. A sacrifice bunt moved the pair into scoring position, and TJ Spina belted a triple to centerfield, scoring both. UAlbany's Brendan Ryan received a call in the bullpen, but after the switch a passed ball brought home another run.

Ryan held off the Spartans the remainder of his outing. In the eighth, Joey Moore took the mound and UNCG immediately turned up its bats. The Spartans led off with back-to-back singles, followed by Cole Harrison's double to right field, scoring one. Another pitching change put freshman Sam DeCelle on the mound for the remainder of the frame. UNCG used a sacrifice fly and a wild pitch to score the final two runs in the game.

The Spartan pitching staff silenced UAlbany's offense with six perfect innings, and allowed just one runner past second base. Lee Gilliam (1-0) earned the win, throwing seven innings, giving up three hits, while striking out two.

Sunday's rubber match is slated for 1:00 p.m. at UNCG Baseball Stadium. Right-handed hurlers Max Povse and Cameron Sorgie are expected to face off on the hill.