Stony Brook Rallies Past UAlbany Baseball, 5-3, In Series-Opener

BOX SCORE  I  SEASON STATS

STONY BROOK, N.Y. – The University at Albany baseball team held a 3-1 advantage heading into the late frames of Saturday's game at Joe Nathan Field, but the hosting Stony Brook Seawolves rallied for four runs in the bottom of the eighth to steal the series opener, 5-3. Due to rain in the area, the squads played just one nine-inning contest and will now play a doubleheader on Sunday beginning at noon.

Looking to set the tone early, the Great Danes (21-20-1, 14-11) jumped out to quick 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Leadoff batter, senior Nolan Gaige, ripped a double down the right field line off Stony Brook (21-29, 12-13) starter Brandon McNitt, and crossed the plate on classmate Greg Muller's single to right. With the bases loaded after a hit batter and a walk, Muller scored UAlbany's second run on a wild pitch.

The Great Danes made it 3-0 in the third, as junior Josh Nethaway led off with a double to left field. With two outs, freshman Matt Hinchy lined a two-bagger of his own, scoring Nethaway. McNitt followed with back-to-back plunks, loading the bases again, but the Seawolves got out of the inning without further damage, forcing a fly out to end the side.

UAlbany hurler, senior Austin Chase, got off to a great start on the mound, holding Stony Brook at bay until the bottom of the fifth. Stony Brook used a leadoff walk, a single and run-scoring fielder's choice to break onto the board.

The rest of the game's offense belonged to the hosts, as the Stony Brook pitching staff allowed just one hit in the final four innings. In the bottom of the eighth, the Seawolves loaded the bases with one out on a pair of hit batters and a single off Chase. The Great Danes called Andrew Jaurique from the bullpen, but Stony Brook's bats heated up, lining three straight singles, plating four runs, for a 5-3 lead.

Stony Brook reliever Tyler Honahan (1-5) set the Great Danes down in order in the ninth, earning the win. Honahan allowed one hit in his two scoreless innings of work, striking out three.

Chase (6-4) took the loss, allowing four runs and eight hits in seven and two-thirds, while striking out five.

Offensively, UAlbany totaled six hits in the ballgame, recorded by six different players.

UAlbany and Stony Brook will conclude the key conference series Sunday with a pair of contests at Joe Nathan Field. First pitch is at 12:00 p.m.