LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ. – The Merrimack College baseball team avoided a conference sweep as they stole game three on the road against Rider.
The Basics
Scores
Game 1: Merrimack 3 | Rider 13
Game 2: Merrimack 3 | Rider 5
Game 3: Merrimack 9 | Rider 3
Records: Merrimack (6-16-1, 5-4) | Rider (12-7, 6-3)
How it Happened
- Game one of the series was all Rider from the start. The Broncs scored the first five runs taking the game into the sixth inning when Merrimack finally got on the board off of a balk. Rider continued to add on with only two more runs coming from the Warriors off of a Harry Painter two run homer. Rider ended up winning the first game, 13-3.
- The second game was close throughout. A first inning wild pitch scored the first run of the game for the Warriors. The Broncs quickly tied it in their half of the second inning but a Cavan Brady two run shot catapulted Merrimack in front in the third. The Broncs scored the next four runs of the game through the fifth inning and then the bats would go silent. The Warriors we're unable to score any more runs and lost 5-3.
- Merrimack looked to avoid the sweep with Nick Hunkele starting on the mound. He pitched five innings striking out three batters and gave up just two earned runs. The Warriors scored one run early but the majority of their damage was done in a dominant sixth inning. The bats exploded for four hits and five runs to take a 6-3 lead. From there the bullpen took over and helped to secure the game three win, 9-3 over the Broncs and avoid the series sweep.
Notes and Numbers
- Brooks Craigue had five hits across the three games in New Jersey
- Cavan Brady knocked in three RBI's and had four total hits on the weekend
- Nick Hunkele picked up the win in game three for Merrimack
Up Next
Merrimack plays their first home midweek game of the year when they welcome in UMass Lowell on March 25
th at 6:00 PM.
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