EWING TOWNSHIP (NJ)- After holding a 4-0 lead heading to the third, the Delaware Valley baseball team gave up seven runs in the third and eight runs in the seventh inning, as they fell in a non-conference game at The College of New Jersey, 18-4.
DelVal (7-9) got the scoring started quickly, plating two runs in the top of the first. Jimmy Kelly brought home Bobby Bright with a single to shortstop and Blake Ramos walked in the second run for the Aggies in the inning before they left the bases loaded.
In the second, Jonathan Drews drove a two-run single up the middle to extend the lead to 4-0.
The Lions (7-7) got on the board in a big way in the third, putting up seven runs on six hits in the frame. TCNJ had three three-run singles and an RBI double to take a 7-4 lead after three innings.
DelVal's next chance to cut into the lead came in the sixth, when they put runners on first and second with two outs, but Hank Bielen grounded into a fielder's choice to end the inning.
The Lions exploded in the bottom of the seventh to put the game away, scoring eight runs on six hits. An error allowed the leadoff batter to reach. After a sacrifice bunt, a walk and a strikeout, TCNJ broke the game open. Three run-scoring doubles and three RBI singles provided the damage for the home team, as all eight runs that scored in the frame were unearned.
TCNJ added three runs in the eighth to wrap up the 18-4 victory.
The Aggies collected 12 hits on the day, with Jonathan Drews leading the way with a 3-for-4 showing. Timmy Lallis and Bobby Bright each went 2-for-4 on the afternoon.
Dakota George threw two scoreless innings in his second start of the season and Zak Clark continued his stellar pitching, a pair of shutout innings to keep his ERA at 0.00 through 7.2 innings pitched.
The Aggies will return to MAC Freedom play Friday, April 1st for a 3:30 p.m. start against DeSales at Frank Wolfgang Field.
