Seven scoreless innings from staff ace John Rooney was not enough to hold off Elon University, as the Phoenix scored two late runs in the eighth inning to defeat Hofstra 2-1 on Friday at Elon.
Hofstra (14-12) suffered its third consecutive loss after carrying a one-run lead into the eighth inning and surrendering a two-run double to secure the win for Elon.
Left fielder Vinnie Costello and catcher Matt Siedem were the only two Hofstra players to record hits, the latter plated the Pride’s only run on a single to third.
Lefty hurler Rooney was masterful on the hill once again, allowing five hits, two walks and recording eight strikeouts. Friday was Rooney’s second no-decision effort of the season in which he left the game with a 1-0 lead. His earned run average this season dropped to 1.12, while opponents’ batting average against the Melrose native shrank to .152.
Chris Weiss was tabbed with the loss, falling to 2-4. Garrett Stonehouse ripped a two-run double through the right side for the eventual game-winner.
Elon’s Kyle Brnovich entered the contest leading all of Division I baseball with 85 strikeouts. Brnovich added 12 punch-outs over seven innings, surrendering just two hits and the one run.
Robbie Welhaf earned the win out of the bullpen in two spotless innings. Welhaf allowed no runners on base and struck out six.
Senior Steven Foster’s woes continue at the plate as he fell victim to his 11th hitless game this season while starting in center field for 25 games thus far. His .206 batting average is his lowest clip through 25 games in his collegiate career.
Slugger Vito Friscia went 0-4 at the plate for the fifth time in six games. Hofstra lost four of those five games in which the junior catcher did not record a hit. Despite Friscia’s offensive struggles, he still leads the team with a .313 batting average and a .416 on-base percentage.
For the Phienix, Ryne Ogren went 2-4, increasing his batting average to .357.
Hofstra moved to 4-6 in CAA play; they currently hold the seventh-place spot in the conference. Elon jumped ahead of the Pride, who are now 5-5 in the Colonial.
The Pride’s next in action on Saturday at Elon at 4 p.m. Seamus Brazill will start for Hofstra.
