Box Score

NEWARK, Del. – The Fairfield University baseball team closed out a four-game series with the University of Delaware with a tough 4-3 loss at Bob Hannah Stadium this afternoon.
 
Senior Larry Cornelia, sophomore Ryan Plourde, and freshman Billy Zolga each had multi-hit days for the Stags. Plourde went 2-for-3 with a home run while Cornelia and Zolga both went 2-for-4.
 
Delaware (5-6) scored two runs in the bottom of the third inning on an RBI single by DJ Long and an RBI double by Nick Ferdinand. Fairfield threatened in the top of the sixth inning, as Sal Ciccone reached on a fielder's choice and Cornelia singled with one out. The Stags could not capitalize as Delaware starter Devon Pearson retired the next two batters.
 
The Stags got on the board in the top of the seventh as Plourde led off with a solo homer to right field. With one out, Rob LoPinto drew a walk and then advanced two bases on a throwing error during a pickoff attempt. LoPinto scored from third after Mark Skrapits lined out to centerfield. Fairfield took a 3-2 lead in top of the eighth inning on a two-out RBI single to centerfield which plated rookie Alex Witkus.
 
Delaware tied it up in the bottom half of the inning as Ferdinand led off with a solo homer to right field. Chris Brannigan followed with a triple and then scored on a Fairfield error to give the Blue Hens a 4-3 advantage. Reliever Brandon Hinkle retired the Stags in order in the top of the ninth to secure the victory for Delaware.
 
Senior Scott Warwick received the no-decision in his second start of the year. Warwick scattered two runs on seven hits over 5.1 innings. Freshman EJ Ashworth threw 1.2 scoreless and hitless innings of relief and fanned three batters. Junior Mark Bordonaro fell to 1-1 on the season after allowing two runs, one earned, in an inning of work.
 
Hinkle (2-0) picked up the win, going 2.0 innings allowing just one run on one hit while striking out three batters. Pearson received a no-decision and allowed two runs, one earned, on six hits while striking out seven batters in 7.0 innings.
 
Fairfield returns to action on March 7 when it opens play at Alumni Diamond by hosting Big East foe St. John's University at 3:30pm.