The New York University baseball team split a doubleheader with the University of Dubuque on Monday, March 13, at the Player Development Complex in Ft. Myers, FL. NYU won the first game 12-6, before dropping game two 10-9.
Through seven games, NYU (6-1) is averaging 12 runs per contest and hitting .362 as a team.
"Our bats are continuing to look good," said NYU Head Coach
Doug Kimbler. "We need our pitchers to do a better job shutting teams down after we score runs, though. We can't continue to walk leadoff hitters and give our opponents a free pass."
In game one, NYU tallied 15 hits, led by a 4-for-5 game from leadoff hitter
Jack Walter. The Violets broke open the game with a seven-run seventh inning, scoring all seven runs with two outs. Connor Hasley came out of the bullpen to earn his first career victory on the mound.
Game two saw NYU use a six-run sixth inning to come from behind and take a 9-6 lead. Dubuque eventually answered, however, scoring four runs in the bottom of the ninth to win the game 10-9 and hand the Violets their first loss of the season.
"I thought we were forced to use too many pitchers today," added Kimbler. "We also need to do a better job staying up and keeping the energy flowing. I know it was hot, but I thought we took our foot off the gas as the game went on."
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Walter followed up his four-hit game one with a 2-for-4, three-RBI game two.
"Jack is doing a great job getting on base out of the leadoff spot," explained Kimbler.
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Jonathan Iaione was 3-for-4 in each game with a combined five RBI. The junior shortstop is hitting .615 (16-for-26) through seven games. He also has a team-high 18 RBI.
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Adrian Spitz hit a two-run home run in game two. It was the first NYU homer of the season.
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Ryan McLaughlin was hit by a pitch three times in game two. Last year's NCAA Division III leader in HBP already has been hit nine times this season.
NYU returns to action tomorrow, March 14, when the Violets take on Edgewood College. First pitch is slated for 12pm at Terry Park in Ft. Myers.