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March 11, 2008
PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) allowed Temple University to take a 6-1 lead after the first two innings then couldn't quite finish a remarkable comeback, posting six runs in the final two innings before falling 10-7 to the visiting Owls. Pat Hercinger had a remarkable day, going 2-4 with four RBI to lead the Hawk offense. Temple posted three runs in the first inning, all three scoring on a two-out home run off the bat of Mie Kelch. Kelch's shot to left would be just one of his hits on the day as he would finish 2-4 with three RBI and two runs. UMES (0-13) answered in the first, getting a run of their own as Phil Vaughn reached on a bunt single. He went to second on a throwing error trying to get him at first. Vaughn then went to third on a Remo Orsini sacrifice bunt. Hercinger picked up one of his RBI then, grounding out but plating Vaughn. Temple (4-5) blew the game open in the second, posting another three runs. They got two hits and were the beneficiaries of two UMES errors in the inning. Those two errors were the only miscues for the Hawks of the day. Temple would go on to post a single run in each of the fourth, fifth, sixth and eighth innings. Two of those runs came on solo home runs off the bat of Stan Orzechowski who went 3-5 on the day with two run and four RBI. The Hawks comeback started in the eighth inning. They would get to reliever Ben Fineman, and his defense. UMES posted three runs, all unearned, off of the young man making his first collegiate appearance. He walked a pair and only allowed one hit. Two Owl miscues led to the runs. The number nine hitter Tyler Love and lead-off batter Vaughn both reached on errors. Then a wild pitch moved the runners into second and third. Orsini would draw a walk to load the bases. Hercinger then doubled to right center, plating Love and Vaughn. After Ryan Coppi walked Temple changed pitchers and put in Mike Click. After recording an out Hercinger would score on a wild pitch for the third run of the inning. Click would stay in for the ninth and the Hawk hitters continued to get to him. Josh Dunham reached on an infield single and Love would be hit by a pitch to put two on. Vaughn would hit into a fielder's choice getting Dunham out. Orsini singled through the left side to plate pinch runner Jervonta' Wright. Hercinger would collect another RBI on another single that scored Vaughn. Coppi singled to plate Orsini and the Hawks were in business with two on and one out. Jorge Pichardo would end the game, hitting into a double play and halting the impressive Hawk comeback. "We were too late with the rally," said Head Coach William Gardner. "I am proud of the guys for not quitting and playing hard, we just got behind by too many too early. We can't do that to quality teams like Temple." Hercinger continued his on base streak making it 11 consecutive game while Coppi, who was 1-4 with an RBI ran his hit streak to eight. Vaughn was impressive as a lead-off hitter, going 2-5 with three runs. Matt Mongiardini got the win for Temple in five innings of work, allowing just two hits and one unearned run. Matt Witte took the loss for UMES, falling to 0-2 in seven and two thirds innings of work. He gave up all 10 runs, nine of which were earned. UMES now hosts Navy on Thursday in one game at Hawks Stadium. First pitch is slated for 2:30 p.m. |
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