Box Score WALTHAM, Mass. – Senior Nate Farias (Fall River, Mass.) drove in two runs with a two-out single to left field in the top of the ninth inning to help the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth baseball team rally past Brandeis University 4-3 this afternoon at Stein Diamond.
With the victory, the Corsairs (20-14) posted their 20th win of the season for the second consecutive year. UMass Dartmouth had not registered back-to-back 20-win seasons since 2003 and 2004, the final two years under legendary coach Bruce Wheeler. The Corsairs also defeated the Judges, 9-4, on April 6.
Senior Cory DeMedeiros (Fall River, Mass.) came off the bench in a pinch hitting role and nearly tied the contest with a double high off the top of the centerfield fence. DeMedeiros moved to third on a ground out to first base. Following a strikeout, senior Ryan Medeiros (Acushnet, Mass.) drew a walk and stole second to move into scoring position. Farias completed the ninth-inning rally with the eventual game-winning hit to left, plating DeMedeiros and Medeiros.
Brandeis (13-20) took its first lead of the contest in the bottom of the seventh inning, loading the bases with two outs. Junior Liam O'Connor (Avon, Conn.) fouled off five pitches before bouncing a two-run single up the middle to give the hosts a 3-2 lead. Junior Matt Russell (Townsend, Mass.) was summoned from the bullpen and escaped the jam with a line drive out to centerfield.
The Corsairs snapped a 1-1 tie in the top of the seventh, capitalizing on a wild pitch. Freshman Zach Courier (Mansfield, Mass.) struck out, but reached on a wild pitch. The speedy left fielder took full advantage of the opportunity, swiping second. The Judges' committed another defensive miscue as Courier scored from second on a throwing error.
Russell (1-2) earned his first victory of the season, limiting Brandeis to one hit in 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief. Freshman Matt Cronin (Framingham, Mass.) shut down the Judges in the ninth, retiring three of the four batters he faced.
Classmate Michael Theriault (Boston, Mass.) allowed seven hits and three runs in 6 2/3 innings. The current Little East Conference Rookie of the Week issued two walks and struck out four, but received a no-decision.
Freshman Ryan Pocock (Westford, Mass.) started for the Judges on the hill, allowing one unearned run on four hits and three walks with two strikeouts in four innings.
UMass Dartmouth will return to action at 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, when the Corsairs travel to Suffolk University.
