UMPI Baseball came back down to earth on Saturday, dropping both games of a doubleheader against Husson University after coming off a historic offensive explosion earlier in the week. While the Owls showed flashes offensively, costly errors and a few big innings from Husson proved to be the difference.
Game 1: 5-1 Eagles
Game one started as a tight battle before Husson pulled away late. After falling behind on a solo home run in the third, Romeo Harris answered immediately with a solo shot of his own to tie the game 1-1. That would end up being the only run for UMPI, as Husson capitalized on defensive mistakes in the fourth inning to take control. Two unearned runs gave Husson the lead, and they added insurance in the sixth behind timely hitting from Colin Marshall, who drove in multiple runs on the day. Despite the loss, the pitching wasn't the main issue. Matthew Pelletier turned in a solid outing, allowing just one earned run across five innings, but defensive miscues behind him made the difference.
Game 2: 9-6 Eagles
Game two was much more competitive and showed what UMPI's offense is capable of. The Owls jumped out early thanks to an RBI single from Diego Maldonado, and after falling behind, they responded with a strong fourth inning. Big hits from Mitchell Kley, Maldonado, and Harris helped tie the game at 4-4. However, Husson delivered the decisive blow in the fifth inning, putting up a four-run frame that shifted momentum for good. UMPI continued to fight, adding another run in the fifth, but couldn't fully close the gap. The offense was much more productive.
The Owls out-hit Husson and had 11 hits as a team, multiple players with multi-hit performances, and consistent pressure on the bases, but left nine runners on through the first four innings. Defensive issues, along with one big inning hurt. The pitching staff however, continues to keep UMPI in both games, with the offense showing life in game 2, and the ability to respond is certainly there.
Next Up:
Due to weather, the Owls now head on the road to face Husson University again to finish the series and the season at 1:00 PM & 3:30 PM.
