The Hofstra baseball team suffered another heartbreaking loss on Friday, March 6, falling to the University of New Mexico Lobos 12-11 in walk-off fashion. The loss dropped the Pride’s record to 3-8.
Hofstra’s bullpen proved to be inefficient once again, as the Pride has now lost five games in which they led in the seventh inning or later, including two ninth-inning leads.
The Pride’s offense pounced on New Mexico’s starting pitcher Aaron Makil and jumped out to a 4-1 lead through three innings. Anthony D’Onofrio, Rob Weissheier and Vinnie Costello each recorded RBIs to put together a four-run third inning, then struck again in the fourth with two more runs.
With Hofstra leading 6-3 in the bottom of the fourth, New Mexico rallied for four runs and took a 7-6 lead over the Pride. The Lobos tagged Hofstra starting pitcher Jack Jett with seven runs (five earned) in only three and two-thirds innings pitched in his return to the mound after missing one start.
Despite the offense continuing to rally back, Hofstra’s relief pitching coughed up multiple leads throughout the game. In the sixth, Hofstra went back in front following two more RBIs by D’Onofrio and Sean Flaherty, but Kyle Skidmore allowed two runners on base in the bottom half of the inning and Mike Mirando let them score after he relieved Skidmore.
Hofstra trailed 10-8 in the top of the ninth and rallied back once again with three runs to go in front, 11-10. The Pride scored one quick run but it looked like their comeback would fall short when Weissheier hit a routine pop-up to center field with two outs in the inning. However, New Mexico center fielder Harry Fullerton dropped the ball and allowed D’Onofrio and Austin Gauthier to cross home plate.
In the ninth, Lucas Hall recorded the first out of the inning, leaving it up to Brad Camarda to finish the job. Camarda failed to record an out, as he hit the first batter he faced with a pitch before surrendering two straight doubles to lose the game.
It was a disappointing loss for the Pride as the bullpen spoiled yet another strong offensive performance. Hofstra’s .284 team batting average is third in the Colonial Athletic Association, but their 6.51 ERA completely hides their young and powerful bats.
Hofstra will look to get back on track on Saturday, March 7, when they continue their series with New Mexico starting at 2 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics
