UMBC

Kaela Mason's first career home run tied the game in the sixth inning.

BALTIMORE—A pinch-hit home run by UMBC freshman Kaela Mason (Bel Air, Md./Harford Tech) erased a three-run deficit in the sixth inning, but Maine scored two unearned runs in the seventh to take both teams’ America East opener, 6-4, in a game that was delayed more than two hours by rainy conditions. The second contest of the scheduled doubleheader was postponed until Sunday.

The Black Bears (21-13, 1-0 AEC) scored two runs in the first inning on an RBI triple by pitcher Alexis Souhlaris and an infield single by shortstop Kristen Calvetti.

The Retrievers (18-11, 0-1 AEC) got one back in the bottom of the frame when designated player Amanda Fefel (Baltimore, Md./Catonsville) singled home second baseman Lauren Brummell (Hanover, Va./Hanover), who had doubled to lead off the game.

But UMBC could not crack the scoreboard for the next four innings, stranding six runners, including the bases loaded in the fifth. Maine, meanwhile, added to its lead with a pair of solo homers by catcher Stephanie George that made the score 4-1.

In the sixth, catcher Amanda Page (Batavia, N.Y./Batavia/Monroe CC) led off with a single and right fielder Emily Thompson (Niagara Falls, N.Y./Niagara Falls) followed with a walk to set the stage for Mason, who cranked her first career home run over the right field fence to tie the game.

But the Retrievers left two more runners on base in the inning, and a pair of errors in the top of the seventh led to two unearned runs for the Black Bears, who won the game, 6-4.

UMBC starter Stephanie Weigman (Elkridge, Md./Archbishop Spalding) suffered the loss to fall to 11-8 on the season. She allowed six runs (four earned) on seven hits and struck out six in the complete game. Ashley Kelley (6-4) picked up the victory in relief, as she did not allow a run in the final 1.2 innings. Souhlaris gave up four runs on 11 hits in the first 5.1 frames.

Four different Retrievers collected two hits apiece, while Waters and George each had two hits to lead the Black Bears.

The teams will meet again Sunday in a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. Between games, the Retrievers will celebrate the 15th anniversary of the 1994 team that was the first in UMBC history to win 40 games.