Despite trailing late in both games, the New York University baseball team rebounded to win both halves of its doubleheader against Brandeis University on Friday, March 31, at cold and windy Maimonides Park in Brooklyn, NY.

Playing their first University Athletic Association (UAA) home games of the season, the Violets came from behind in both to eek out a pair of victories.

"This should build momentum for us," said Head Coach Doug Kimbler. "UAA games are really hard. It's a hard-fought different brand of baseball. Every game means something."  

The Violets fell behind 5-0 and still trailed 5-2 heading into the bottom of the ninth of the opener, but Russell Burton was hit by a pitch to open the inning. One out later, Ryan Carr's single brought the tying run to the plate. A walk to Nick Argenziano loaded the bases.

Nate Pallotta followed with a sacrifice fly, then Cam Dunn's two-out single brought in the tying runs. He then stole second and wound up scoring the winning run from there on a wild pitch.

"When we were down, we told our guys to just chip away and work deep counts," said Hitting Coach Tommy Cardona. "In game one of any series you want to get their starter out and get into their bullpen. We were able to do that, and even though we hit into some hard luck early we kept battling until the hits starting falling and we were also able to capitalize on some of their mistakes."  

Joseph Augustine, allowed only one hit over the final 2.1 innings to gain his first victory of the season. NYU took advantage of five stolen bases and four hit-by-pitches to turn the game around and secure the victory.

Pallotta finished with three RBI, while Alex VanLandingham contributed a pair of singles. 

In game two, it was NYU who jumped out to an early 5-0 lead as VanLandingham contributed a home run and an RBI single in the first three innings. 

Starter Andrew Reid gave back three runs (one earned) in his 6.1 innings before giving way to Sean Bolin, who got out of a first-and-third jam without allowing another run in he seventh.

However, in the top of the eighth, he gave up a three-run home run (and the lead) to the Judges' Drew Michaud.

But, the Violets' legs and bats produced another stirring comeback in the bottom of the frame.

With one out, Richard Beggy singled and stole second, one of 11 stolen bases in the game for NYU - one short of the team record. VanLandingham followed with a walk and Beggy advanced on a passed ball. Then, with runners on the corners, Brandeis pitcher Tyler Hill's pick-off attempt sailed over the first baseman's head and Beggy scored the tying run. VanLandingham advanced to second on the play and then to third on an ensuing wild pitch.

One out later with VanLandingham still on third, Burton laid down a bunt single to third which plated the go-ahead run.

Bolin held the lead in the top of the ninth to secure his first victory of the season.       

"After giving up the lead, Sean came back into the dugout and said 'hey boys, pick me up, get me that lead back and I'll keep it,'" revealed Pitching Coach Eddie Medina. "And, he did exactly that. The guys stepped up and put some good at-bats together, scored a couple of runs and that was it."  

The two teams will return to Brooklyn for another doubleheader on Sunday beginning at 11:00am.