UMBC

Joe Fowler's ninth inning three-run home run briefly gave UMBC the lead on Tuesday against George Washington.

The UMBC baseball team (3-4) scored three runs in the top of the ninth inning on a three-run shot by Joe Fowler to take a 4-3 lead over George Washington.  The Retrievers, however, were unable to hold onto the lead in the bottom half of the inning as the Colonials (4-6) scored two runs on a double by Charlie Kruer to win 5-4 on Tuesday afternoon at Barcroft Park. 

Starting pitcher Derrick Lutz was outstanding for the Colonials, going 8.0 innings and allowing one run on three hits while striking out 11 Retrievers and walking one.  UMBC’s lone run with Lutz on the mound came in the fourth inning as Steve Gale sent a pitch over the fence to tie the game 1-1. 

The Colonials tacked on runs in the sixth on an and seventh inning to take a 3-1 advantage heading into the top of the ninth. 

The Colonials went to closer Derek Haese to start the inning as Steve Russo singled and Steve Gale walked, bringing the go ahead run to the plate.  Chris Cerrullo pitch ran for Gale as  Zach Clark flied out to center field in the Retrievers next at bat  Fowler, with one out, hit a three-run home run for his second dinger of the year. 

In the bottom of the ninth, Retriever pitcher Tim Comiskey walked Andrew Abokhair to start the inning.  A single by Tim Reeves gave the Colonials runners at first and second.  With two outs, Kruer sent a pitch down the first base line, just getting by Russo.  Reeves raced around from first, beating the play at the plate for the winning run. 

Sean Rae went the opening 6.0 innings allowing five hits, two total runs and one earned while striking out six.  Comiskey pitched the final 2.2 innings, allowing three hits and three runs, all earned.  Comiskey received the loss while Haese for George Washington was awarded the win. 

UMBC was led offensively by Fowler, who went 1-for-1 with three RBI.  UMBC was held to five total hits from five different players.  Kruer and Reeves led the Colonials with two hits each. 

UMBC returns to action at Navy on Wednesday, March 8 at 2:30 p.m.