The Hartford baseball team lost to William Paterson University in a game that began on Sunday and concluded on Monday afternoon, March 16, after being delayed due to lightning in Auburndale, Florida.
The matchup was interrupted with two outs in the top of the third inning because of weather conditions and resumed at 9:30 AM the next day. The Pioneers took an early lead by scoring four runs in the first inning and added another four runs in the third, making it 8-0 before play was halted.
Hartford’s offense responded after the delay, scoring six runs across the fourth and sixth innings. Peyton West singled home Joe Guglielmino and Jon Melarczik, while Zaynn Godbee tripled to bring home West. Evin Curtiss added a sacrifice fly for another run. In the sixth inning, Jayden Gaither singled to score West again, and Nico DiGioia contributed an RBI single as Hartford narrowed the deficit to two runs heading into the seventh.
William Paterson extended its lead with five more runs in the seventh inning. Despite three additional runs from Hartford in the eighth—two RBIs from DiGioia and one from a balk—the Hawks could not complete their comeback and lost by a final score of 13-9.
On pitching duty for Hartford, Evan Gentile took the loss after allowing four runs (two earned) while recording two outs. Logan Huzi pitched six outs with four runs allowed on six hits. After play resumed, Sean Stanley threw 3.1 innings allowing just one hit and one walk with two strikeouts. Peter Morrissey gave up five runs (four earned) over two outs, while Joseph Ferrucci finished with 2.1 scoreless innings.
At bat, Godbee led Hartford’s offense going 2-for-4 with a triple, two runs scored, and an RBI. DiGioia went 2-for-5 with three RBIs and a double. Sean Newman and Gaither each had two hits during the game.
The Hawks’ scheduled game against Ramapo College was cancelled; they are set to face Salve Regina tomorrow at 1:00 PM.
