Game 1 Box (PDF) | Game 2 Box (PDF) | Interview

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The UMass Lowell (6-4) baseball team split its doubleheader against the Santa Clara Broncos (7-8), dropping the first game 7-1, before coming out on top 4-3 in the nightcap.

"Steve Xirinachs pitched really well in game one, but the game got away from us a little at the end, but game two we showed our character," said Head Coach Ken Harring. "Nick Kuzia pitched the best game of his year, even though we didn't swing the bats very well, we took advantage of some of their mistakes and came out with some good luck. To guarentee at least a split against a good Santa Clara team is a great feeling, and we're excited to come back out tomorrow."

In the opener, the Broncos broke up the scoreless tie in the bottom of the sixth, scoring three runs on RBI singles by Kert Woods and Ryan Budnick.

In the next River Hawk frame, Brice Erickson (Leominster, Mass.) doubled to lead off the inning and came around to score when Ian Strom reached on an error. Santa Clara added a pair in the seventh and eighth to secure the win.

Joe Consolmagno (Worcester, Mass.) and Chris Sharpe (Burlington, Mass.) each had two hits to lead the visitors. Sharpe extended his hitting streak to five games, while Consolmagno recorded his fifth hit of the series (5-8).

Steve Xirinachs (San Diego, Calif.) got handed the loss but only gave up two runs in 5 1/3 innings, and struck out a career-high seven batters.

Santa Clara's Steven Wilson earned the win, striking out eight in 6 2/3 and only walking one. Nick Medeiros earned the save with 2 1/3 innings of work.

Trailing 1-0 in the third inning of game two, Ian Strom (Hopedale, Mass.) walked, stole second, advanced on wild pitch and came in to score on a RBI groundout from Consolmagno. The Broncos regained a 2-1 advantage in the bottom half of the third, but with the bases loaded and no outs in the fourth, Ben Prada (Laurel, Md.) tied it again on a RBI fielder's choice. Later in the inning Steve Passatempo (Medford, Mass.) battled from 0-2 down to draw a bases loaded walk for the 3-2 lead.

Oscar Marchena (Miami, Fla.) led off the eight inning with double to left field and came across to score on a wild pitch to extend the buffer to 4-2. Santa Clara cut the deficit to 4-3 in its next at bats, but Brendan Long (Naples, Fla.) shut the door in the ninth for his fourth save of the season.

Nick Kuzia (Seymour, Conn.) only allowed one earned run in six innings to earn his first win of the young season. Sharpe was also able to extend his hitting streak to six games with a single in the seventh.

The teams wrap up their four-game set with the finale at noon tomorrow (3 p.m. est).