Albany, NY - The University of Hartford baseball team scored 23 runs in its first two America East games, winning 11-10 in the first and 12-5 in the nightcap. Hartford's wins were credited to Kyle Perry in the opener and Chris Greiner in the second game. Hartford improves to 8-12 overall and 2-0 in America East play, while Albany stands at 4-21-1 overall and 0-2 in conference play.
Hartford scored two runs on a single in the top of the ninth inning to give the Hawks pitching staff enough room to work with, guaranteeing its first conference win of the season. Ben Sobocinski knocked in both runs in the ninth inning on a single through the right side. Sobocinski finished the game 2-for-6 at the plate with two RBI.
Also adding two RBI's in the first game were Matt Walker and Andy Drexel. Both finished 2-for-4 at the plate. Adam Bowser finished with a team best three hits in five at bats, while Simon Kudernatsch rounded out the Hawks hitters with two hits in five plate appearances.
Hawks pitcher Weston Szymanski pitched five and one-third innings in a no decision. He started and allowed six earned runs, eight overall, on 10 hits, while striking out 10 batters. Perry's second win of the season came with three and two-third innings of work. He allowed two runs, one earned, on two hits while striking out three. He also walked four batters.
In the nightcap, six of the Hawks nine batters finished with a multi hit game. Leading the way was Bill Perry and Drexel, who each finished 3-for-5. Drexel finished the game with four RBI and scored three runs. He had two hits go for multiple bases, a two run home run in the second and a two run double in the eighth.
Sobocinski, Bowser, Walker and Adam Grap all finished with two hits. Sobocinski and Bowser each added two RBI's and Grap finished with two runs scored.
Hartford's starting pitcher, Greiner, recorded his team best third win with five and one-third innings of work. Greiner allowed five earned runs on seven total hits, while striking out seven batters. Greiner also gave up five walks. Justin DiConzo one hit baseball in his one and two-third innings of relief.
The Hawks will close out the series against Albany with a doubleheader on Sunday. Hartford and the Great Danes will begin with a seven inning game at 12:00 p.m. and follow that up with a nine inning game.
