Box Score UMass Lowell baseball dropped a 10-5 decision to Florida Tech in Melbourne, FL on Tuesday night. Senior Mark Sanborn (Hopkinton, Mass.) collected four hits and a pair of RBI in the loss.
The River Hawks (5-6) continue to search for consistency, winning or losing no more than two games in a row so far this season. The Panthers improved to 14-8 with the victory.
UMass Lowell jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first. Senior Matt Jacobs (Hudson, Mass.) led off the game with a single, then stole second. With one out, classmate Cam Kneeland (Rowley, Mass.) singled to bring home Jacobs. After Kneeland stole second, Sanborn knocked an RBI single into left field.
Florida Tech responded in a big way, countering with five runs in the bottom half of the first. Among the big plays, senior Josh Hinkle (Cape Coral, Fla.) hit a two-run single.
Despite trailing throughout, the River Hawks picked a run in both the fourth and sixth inning. Sanborn scored in the forth on a passed ball, while Matthew Sanchez (Sunrise, Fla.) knocked an RBI single in the sixth.
The Panthers added several more runs over the next few innings, including three in the bottom of the sixth. Among the scoring plays in the sixth, Hinkle drew a bases loaded walk and K.C. Clabough (Cocoa Beach, Fla.) beat out a bunt on the next play.
UMass Lowell added one more run in the ninth, cutting the final score to 10-5. Sanborn ripped a double to right-center, bringing home Kneeland.
For the game, Sanborn led the charge with a 4-for-5 showing at the plate, two RBI and a run scored. Kneeland was also strong, collecting two hits with an RBI and two runs. Both players also recorded a steal.
Florida Tech was led by Hinkle, who had a hit and three RBI. Second baseman Ryan Coward (Lakeland, Fla.) also shined, batting 3-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored.
The River Hawks struggled on the mound as five pitchers combined on the outing, including starter Nick Boutoures (Wilmington, Mass.) who took the loss. Mike Sloban (Merrimac, Mass.) had the strongest stint, pitching three innings and allowing just one unearned run.
UMass Lowell will continue on its annual Florida trip tomorrow. The River Hawks will battle Caldwell at 3 p.m. at the Santaluces Sports Complex in Lantana, FL.