LOWELL, Mass. – On Saturday, the University at Albany baseball team (10-13, 3-6 AE) split a 'home' doubleheader against UMass Lowell (14-12, 5-3 AE) in the Riverhawks' LeLacheur Park, which will play host to the America East tournament later this season. The series was moved from Albany late last week due to unplayable conditions on University Field.
The three-game series wrapped up today with the rubber match between the Great Danes and the Riverhawks. UMass Lowell's offense came alive to the tune of 18 runs, including 10 in the top of the ninth, to defeat UAlbany 18-0, handing the Danes their worst loss of the season.
UMass Lowell opened up quickly, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning, followed by one in the top of the second. After a scoreless third, the Riverhawks added one run in the top of the fourth, and then followed a scoreless fifth with two each in the top if the sixth and seventh. Entering the ninth inning after a scoreless eighth, UMass Lowell led the game 8-0, but then added 10 runs in the top of the ninth to bring the final score to 18-0.
Evan Harasta recorded three hits to lead UAlbany on the day. Starting Pitcher David Hutchison lasted 1.0 inning, giving up three runs on four hits. In relief, Brendan Smith pitched 5.0 innings, surrendering three runs on six hits with three strikeouts and one walk. Marcus Failing pitched the next 1.1 innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits. Joe Romero pitched 1.0 inning, allowing five runs (three earned) on two hits. Terry Dugdale allowed three more runs (one earned) on one hit with one walk, and Ryan Daugherty pitched the final 0.2 innings, allowing two runs (none earned) on two hits.
UMass Lowell scored 18 runs on 19 hits with one error. UAlbany recorded six hits and three errors during the game.
UAlbany will play two true road games on Tuesday and Wednesday against St. John's and Manhattan, before returning home for a series this weekend against Binghamton in what is now scheduled to be the team's official home opener.
