VESTAL, N.Y. – A late rally by UMass Lowell spoiled a strong pitching performance and a promising offensive start for the Binghamton Bearcats, as the River Hawks secured a 7-5 extra-inning victory in the series opener Friday afternoon at the Bearcats Baseball Complex. The loss drops Binghamton to 6-11 on the season, and 1-3 in America East play, while UMass Lowell improves to 8-9 overall and 1-0 in conference action.
The Bearcats built a 5-2 lead through six innings, fueled by a solid outing from junior starter Conner Griffin and timely hitting. However, the River Hawks chipped away at the deficit, ultimately tying the game before completing the comeback with two runs in the 10th inning. UMass Lowell’s offense proved persistent, outhitting Binghamton 10-6 and scoring in four of the final five innings played.
Griffin’s Strong Start Undone by Late Offense
Junior pitcher Conner Griffin delivered a quality start for Binghamton, striking out seven batters across six innings. He allowed just five hits and two earned runs, departing with a 5-2 advantage. While Griffin effectively limited the River Hawks’ early opportunities, the Binghamton bullpen couldn’t maintain the momentum. Griffin’s performance, despite ending in a no-decision, highlighted a positive trend for the Bearcats’ pitching staff.
“Conner gave us exactly what we needed – quality innings, keeping them off balance,” said Binghamton head coach Tim Sinicki after the game. “Unfortunately, we just couldn’t close it out. Their guys battled, and we made a few mistakes that they capitalized on.”
Anderson Powers Binghamton’s Early Offense
Binghamton’s offense erupted for three runs in the fourth inning, sparked by a two-run home run from junior designated hitter Zach Anderson. Anderson finished the day 2-for-4 with three RBIs, providing a significant offensive boost. The home run, his second of the spring, extended Binghamton’s lead and momentarily appeared to give them control of the game. Anderson’s ability to deliver in key moments has quickly made him a crucial part of the Bearcats’ lineup.
The fourth-inning rally began with a leadoff walk by senior second baseman Zack Kent, who advanced to second on a wild pitch. Sophomore center fielder Matt Bolton followed with an infield single, setting the stage for Steven Kraus to drive in Kent with a sacrifice fly. Two batters later, Anderson launched his home run over the left-field wall, giving Binghamton a 3-0 lead.
The Bearcats added two more runs in the sixth, extending their lead to 5-2. Kraus singled with one out, and sophomore catcher Tommy Popoff drew a 13-pitch walk. Anderson then delivered an RBI single, and sophomore left fielder Grant Hunter executed a perfect squeeze bunt to score Popoff.
River Hawks Chip Away, Complete Comeback
UMass Lowell began to mount a comeback in the sixth, scoring twice to cut Binghamton’s lead to 3-2. They continued to chip away, adding a run in the seventh and two more in the eighth to tie the game at 5-5. The River Hawks’ relentless offensive pressure ultimately wore down the Bearcats’ pitching staff.
In the 10th inning, UMass Lowell capitalized on a leadoff hit, eventually scoring two runs to secure the victory. The Bearcats struggled to contain the River Hawks’ offense in the late innings, allowing them to capitalize on opportunities and complete the comeback.
Looking Ahead: Saturday’s Matchup
The teams are scheduled to play a single game at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Bearcats Baseball Complex. However, the possibility of a doubleheader exists, contingent on the weekend weather forecast. The history between these two teams suggests a competitive series, and the outcome of Saturday’s game could be crucial for both teams’ positioning in the America East standings.
Fans can follow the game and any schedule changes on the Binghamton Athletics website. The Bearcats will look to bounce back and even the series, while UMass Lowell will aim to continue their momentum and secure a series victory.
The Binghamton baseball team will need to regroup and refocus as they prepare for Saturday’s contest. A strong performance from the pitching staff and consistent offensive production will be key to securing a win against a determined UMass Lowell squad.
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