Box Score - Game One
Box Score - Game Two

BALTIMORE, Md. – Senior Tucker Nathans went a combined 6-for-9 on the day while junior Tyler Wosleger drove in six runs to help the Fairfield University baseball team split a doubleheader at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) this afternoon. The Stags (4-5) topped the Retrievers (1-6) by a score of 9-2 in the opening game but suffered a 3-2 loss in extra innings in the second game.

 

In the opening contest, junior college transfer Brett Shulick picked up his first win of the season as he tossed seven scoreless innings and scattered three hits while striking out two batters. The offense was paced by Nathans and Wosleger both of whom went 3-for-5. Nathans crossed the plate three times while Wosleger drove in career-best five runs on two doubles and a triple. Junior Mark Skrapits went 3-for-4 at the plate as well.

 

The Stags got the scoring started in the third inning putting four runs on the board. Skrapits led off with a single and came around to score on a fielder's choice. Nathans followed with an RBI single to plate Chris Horning while Wosleger drove in two runs with a double to left center. Wosleger drove in two more runs in the top of the fifth inning with a double down the right field line. Fairfield extended its lead to 8-0 in the top of the eighth on an RBI triple by Wosleger and an RBI single by Skrapits. The Retrievers got on the board in the bottom half of the inning, scoring two runs off of Stags reliever Gavin McCullough. The Stags added their final run of the game in the top of the ninth on an RBI double by Larry Cornelia.  

 

The scheduled seven-inning nightcap was taken to nine innings as the two teams battled it out in pitcher's duel. Fairfield took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first on an RBI triple by Nathans and an RBI by Wosleger. UMBC got one of the runs back in the bottom of the second and tied the game in the bottom of the third.

 

The Stags threatened in the top of the sixth, loading the bases with two outs, but UMBC's Mike Mitchell was able to get out of the jam. The Retrievers had a chance of their own in the bottom half of the inning but Mark Bordonaro was able to hold UMBC off. Both starters retired their respective sides in order in the seventh inning to force extra innings. With two on and two outs in the bottom of the ninth, UMBC's Michael Pesci delivered a single to center field to end the stalemate and the game.

 

Bordonaro received the no-decision despite scattering two runs, one earned on four hits and striking out five batters in eight innings of work. Kyle Capaldo took the loss, allowing two runs on two hits with two strikeouts in two-thirds of inning. Luke Diblasi picked up the win for UMBC, tossing two scoreless and hitless innings while Mitchell had a no-decision, allowing two runs, one earned, on five hits with five strikeouts in seven innings.

 

With his six hits on the day, Nathans took sole possession of second place on Fairfield career hits list with 215. He is now 14 away from breaking the record of 229 held by former Stag Ryan Bittner. Nathans also moved into fourth all-time at Fairfield in career triples (8).

 

Fairfield wraps up the series at UMBC tomorrow, March 13, with first pitch slated for 2:30pm.