Box Score 1 |
Box Score 2 MEDFORD, Mass. – University of Massachusetts Dartmouth junior Steve Colella (Leominster, Mass.) tossed a four hitter and senior Cory DeMedeiros (Fall River, Mass.) went a combined 5-for-8 and drove in eight runs to help the Corsairs split a Little East Conference baseball doubleheader against Plymouth State University this afternoon at Huskins Field.
UMass Dartmouth exploded for five runs in the fourth inning to break open a 4-1 contest and cruised to a 14-2 victory in Game 1. The Corsairs scored five of the final six runs, but couldn't overcome a 6-1 deficit as the Panthers held on for a 7-6 win the nightcap.
UMass Dartmouth 14, Plymouth State 2 - Final 8 innings
Colella turned in his second straight quality start against a Little East Conference opponent to improve his individual record to 3-1. The junior right-hander from Leominster, Mass. limited Plymouth State to two unearned runs on four hits over seven strong innings. He struck out six, while issuing a pair of walks on 114 total pitches.
DeMedeiros led UMass Dartmouth's 13-hit attack with a 3-for-3 performance. The senior catcher registered a pair of extra base hits, including his third home run of the season, and five RBI. Senior Ben Monteiro (Swansea, Mass.) went 2-for-4 and drove in three runs, while classmate Alex Newton (Saco, Maine) and freshman Josh O'Neill (Halifax, Mass.) each recorded a pair of base knocks.
The Corsairs jumped out to an early 2-0 advantage in the top of the first, taking advantage of a pair of hit by pitches. Monteiro singled to right centerfield to drive in the opening run, while the visitors scratched across their second run when DeMedeiros scored on a delayed steal with runners at the corners.
UMass Dartmouth extended its lead to 4-0, when DeMedeiros launched a two-run homer over the left field fence. However, the Panthers responded with an unearned run in the bottom half of the frame.
The Corsairs seized control of the contest, scoring five times in the top of the fourth to increase their advantage to 9-1. Monteiro highlighted the five-run explosion with a two-run single down the right field line.
UMass Dartmouth added single runs in the sixth and seventh before sealing the conference win with a three-run eighth. Freshman Ervin Kantardzic (Roslindale, Mass.) laced a run-producing single to right field for his first collegiate RBI to cap the scoring.
Freshman Ryan Britton (Milford, N.H.) threw a scoreless inning in relief, retiring Plymouth State in order in the eighth.
Plymouth State 7, UMass Dartmouth 6
Three UMass Dartmouth players accounted for six of the seven hits, led by DeMedeiros. DeMedeiros went 2-for-5 with a run scored and three RBI, while classmates Alberto Vasquez (Roxbury, Mass.) and Nate Farias (Fall River, Mass.) each registered a pair of hits.
The Corsairs picked up right where they left off in Game 1 as senior Ryan Medeiros (Acushnet, Mass.) led off the first inning by lifting his third home run of the season over the left field fence to give the visitors the early 1-0 advantage.
The Panthers capitalized on an infield throwing error to score a pair of unearned runs in the bottom of the second. Plymouth State also used an errant throw in the third to spark a four-run inning to extend its lead to 6-1.
Facing its largest deficit of the ballgame, the first two UMass Dartmouth batters reached safely to open the fifth inning. Senior George Agostini (Rehoboth, Mass.) loaded the bases with a one-out walk, while DeMedeiros ripped a two-run double inside the left field line to cut the lead in half. The visitors took advantage of a defensive miscue that allowed Agostini and DeMedeiros to score, whittling the deficit to 6-5. The Panthers were able to escape the jam without further damage with an unconventional 9-6 fielder's choice and a pop fly to the second baseman.
Plymouth State responded with the eventual game-winning run in the bottom of the fifth. The Corsairs quickly earned a pair of outs, but back-to-back walks and a single down the right field line padded the hosts' advantage.
UMass Dartmouth answered in the top of the sixth, when Farias singled and O'Neill drew a four-pitch walk. The Panthers gave up a pair of long fly ball outs before DeMedeiros drove in Farias with a single to left field.
The Corsairs threatened to even the contest in the next two innings, putting the potential tying-run in scoring position. However, the visitors were unable to push across the tying run.
Junior George Bent (Barnstable, Mass.) threw 5 2/3 innings of effective relief to keep UMass Dartmouth within striking distance. The Barnstable, Mass. product allowed one run on one hit, while striking out three. Sophomore Sean Callahan (Colchester, Vt.) made his second start of the season, giving up five runs (two earned) on four hits.
Senior Cody Gilchrist (Tyngsboro, Mass.) held the Corsairs to six runs (four earned) on seven hits to earn his second win of the season (2-3). The right-hander fanned three, but yielded five walks on 110 total pitches. Classmate Josh Young (Somersworth, N.H.) recorded four punch outs during his three scoreless innings of relief to collect his second save.
UMass Dartmouth will return to action at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 13, when the Corsairs host Babson College at New Bedford High School.
