Amherst, MA - The University of Hartford baseball team dropped its fourth straight game by way of a 7-5 road loss at the University of Massachusetts on Wednesday. The Hawks drop to 3-10 on the season, while UMass is now 4-8 overall.
UMass saw most of its success come on the base-baths as the Minutemen stole seven bases on the day, while starting pitcher Mitchell Eilenberg allowed just one run in his five innings of work for UMass. The Hawks saw their success come in the form of a three run home run for Bill Perry in the sixth inning, as Hartford tied the game at four.
Hartford's first run of the game came in the first inning, when a lead off walk proved costly. Ben Sobocinski worked the free pass and advanced to second on a successful sacrifice from Adam Bowser. Sobocinski then scored on a Matt Walker double, one of three hits for the rookie.
Walker led the team with a 3-for-4 effort and an RBI. He was one of two players to record multiple hits, with Adam Grap scoring a 2-for-4 effort. Four other players finished with one hit each.
Hartford pitched six men in the game with Brendan Floyd starting and pitching the first four innings. He allowed four runs, three earned, on five hits, while fanning three. CJ Browne saw the longest relief time with a two inning outing. He allowed one run, unearned, on two hits, while striking out a pair.
Also seeing relief action was Bob Rogers, Steve Dabroski, Steve Sobocinski and Marc Toomey. Dabroski faced four batters in his one innings of work, striking out the side in the seventh inning.
Ryan Franczek led UMass ON the bases, with a three steal effort, including a swipe of home on a double-steal in the first inning. Franczek joined Andy Tuetken going 2-for-4 at the plate. Adam Tempesta led the Minutemen with a pair of RBI.
UMass starter Mitchell Eilenberg pitched five strong innings, allowing just one run on four hits. Freshman Charlie Benson pitched 1 and two-third innings of shutout relief to earn the victory, the first of his career. Browne (1-1) was tagged with the loss.
The Hawks return to action on Saturday when they host in state rival Sacred Heart for a double header beginning at 2:00 p.m. The games will be the first at home for Hartford, who have had four previous home dates cancelled or moved.
