Ravens pitching faces 28 batters

Box Score

LANTANA, Fla. (March 13, 2010) – Graduate student right-hander Mike Adams (Orchard Park, N.Y.) threw eight shutout innings, allowed one hit and struck out six on Saturday afternoon to lead the No. 14/19 nationally ranked Franklin Pierce University baseball team to a 1-0 victory over Caldwell in non-conference, neutral-site play at Santaluces Sports Complex. The one hit was the only baserunner allowed by the Ravens on the day, as Franklin Pierce pitching faced just 28 batters.

With the win, Franklin Pierce improves to 5-1 (0-0 Northeast-10), while Caldwell falls to 2-2 (0-0 Central Atlantic) with the loss.

The only run of the game was unearned, as Franklin Pierce capitalized on a pair of Caldwell errors in the top of the fifth inning. Senior right fielder Phil Hendricks (Pittsfield, Maine) led off, reached on an infield single and moved to second when Caldwell senior right-hander Buddy Riggs threw away a pickoff attempt at first base. Sophomore designated hitter Tim Quinn (Paxton, Mass.) laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Hendricks to third, but reached safely on a throwing error by Caldwell senior first baseman Doug Hilgenberg, which also allowed Hendricks to come around to score.

Meanwhile, Franklin Pierce pitching sparkled throughout the contest. The only baserunner against came on a two-our single to right field in the bottom of the third inning. Adams struck out a pair in the first inning and later struck out the side in order in the fourth. He retired the first eight batters before the lone base hit and then proceeded to set down the final 16 batters he faced afterwards.

Over eight shutout innings, Adams allowed one hit, walked nobody, threw a wild pitch and struck out six to pick up the win (2-0). Junior right-hander Rob Nicholas (Southborough, Mass.) pitched a perfect ninth with two strikeouts to notch his second save of the season.

On the other, side, Caldwell pitching was nearly as impressive. Riggs started, tossed 7.1 innings, allowed just one unearned run on one hit, walked nobody, hit a batter and struck out six, but got saddled with the loss. Freshman right-hander Mark Sarrao gave up just two walks while recording a strikeout over the final 1.2 innings.

The Ravens return to the field on Sunday, March 14, when they meet Felician in a neutral-site, non-conference doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. at Santaluces Sports Complex in Lantana, Fla. Franklin Pierce next plays at home against Saint Anselm on Thursday, March 25 at 3:30 p.m.