BANGOR, ME
It was a tough day back in action for the Diamond Owls as they played their first games in 12 days. They'd have to face the Husson University Eales, who brought back nearly an identical roster from last year's NAC Championship squad and were fresh off a win over Division I opponent the University of Maine. In both games, the Eagles were fighting for the bat rack as their bats got hot from the get-go. Husson took game one, 16-0, and game two 19-1. The Owls grinded through the tough day, and hope to bounce back in Saturday's twin bill.
Game 1: (16-0 Eagles)
How it Happened:
Husson jumped all over UMPI in the early innings of this one, scoring five in the 1st, two in the 2nd, and five more in the 3rd. The early influx was too much for UMPI to respond as they shook off the rust from the 12-day hiatus. Husson added a few more in the later innings, as the Owls were able to settle down Husson a bit, but not before the Eagles could do damage and shorten the nine-inning game to seven innings, as they won 16-0.
At the Plate:
The Owls had four hits as a team, with a lot of guys off the bench getting appearances. They got singles from the two and three-hole hitters, Dylan Geren and Garrett Chadwick, and one from catcher Anthony Searels. Josh Henderson also had a pinch-hit single in the top of the 7th for his first career hit.
On the Mound:
Mason Long drew the start for the Owls and went two innings, allowing seven earned runs, and struck out two batters, including early NAC player of the year candidate, Jackson Curtis. Nolan Christiansen took the ball in relief, and went 2 and a third innings, allowing two earned runs, and struck out a batter, while Danielle Moser finished the game going 1.2 innings, allowing one earned, and had a strikeout as well.
Game 2: (16-1 Eagles)
How it Happened:
After a scoreless 1st inning, it appeared this game may have had a different tone than the previous one. Husson ended that narrative however, as they began the 2nd inning with four straight singles, and eventually finished the inning with four runs. After blanking the Owls in the top of the 3rd, The Eagles exploded for their biggest inning of the night, as they scored nine runs on six hits, kick-started by a three-run home run from right fielder Matt Holmes. The damage had been done from their as the Eagles found themselves up 13-0 after three. UMPI did plate a run of their own in the 4th to avoid the shutout, but the Eagles tacked on six more, and eventually won by a score of 19-1, on 18 hits.
At the Plate:
UMPI had four hits as a team in this game as well, two of which came from Gabriel Wheeler, who went 2-3 with the lone RBI. Mason Long went 1-2 with a rip-shot double down the third-base line, and Garrett Chadwick went 1-3 again from the three-hole as he has now hit safely in nine of his ten games played.
On the Mound:
Spencer Harman got the start in this game, pitching into the third inning, before the game got away from him. Michael Langley relieved Harman, going 2.2 innings with four earned runs, but struck out five batters of the 13 at bats. Anthony Searels finished off the night, throwing the sixth inning for the Owls and struck out two batters.
Next Up:
UMPI drops to 4-8 overall and 1-5 in North Atlantic Conference play. They will have two more league games on Saturday, April 5th with Husson University again. The doubleheader is scheduled to start at 11 a.m.
