On Friday, March 24, the Hofstra Pride baseball team dropped the first game of a three-game road set against the North Carolina A&T University Aggies by a final score of 9-5. The loss is the Pride’s 14th of the season, bringing their record thus far to 7-14. The Pride have had an up-and-down year so far, as they started off the season with four straight losses followed by three straight wins. Although the record does not reflect it, Hofstra has been in many close games so far this season.
After a quiet first inning from both sides, a solo home run to center field by Hofstra’s Brian Morrell gave them an early 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning. Later in the top of the third inning, a double by Hofstra left fielder Will Kennedy gave the Pride a 2-0 lead. A&T responded shortly after, tying the game 2-2 due to a two-run homerun from their third baseman Cort Maynard.
Hofstra picked up right where they left off, putting up three runs in the top of the fourth inning to regain the lead at 5-2. The spark was highlighted by a two-run triple from center fielder Dylan Palmer, Palmer was then thrown out to end the inning after a play right at the plate. A&T quickly responded in the bottom of the fourth inning, as another two-run homer cut the lead down to 5-4.
The Aggies continued their scoring spree as they tacked on another two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning, regaining the lead. An RBI double by Tre Williams was the catalyst for the Bulldogs, putting them in front 6-5. The Pride was unable to continue their productivity on the offensive end that they had earlier in the game, as they could not get anything going, resulting in quiet sixth, seventh and eighth innings.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, A&T broke the game open extending their lead by 3, making it 9-5. Multiple hits in the inning, including a 2 run double by TJ Ash opened up the game for the Bulldogs. Hofstra went hitless in the ninth inning, resulting in the 9-5 loss for the Pride.
Game two of this three-game set against North Carolina A&T will take place on Saturday, March 25, at 4 p.m. Hofstra will look to tie the series up at one apiece, while the Aggies will attempt to gain the series win.
Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics/Rob Cuni
