Delaware’s Offense Stymied in 3-1 Loss to Toledo; Hens Earn Split in Day One at Ron Fraser Classic
February 15, 2013
File Photo Courtesy of University of Cathy Kushner
Box Score
CARY, N.C. – A trio of Toledo pitchers kept the University of Delaware baseball team’s offense in check as the Blue Hens fell to the Rockets, 3-1, Friday night in the Ron Fraser Classic at the USA National Baseball Training Complex.
Due to weather concerns Saturday, the Blue Hens schedule has been changed at the Ron Fraser Classic to one game at 2:30 p.m. against Canisius.
Delaware (1-1) was limited to five hits for the game and ended the day with a split following an 8-4 win over Temple earlier in the day.
Jimmy Yezzo (at right) extended his two-year hitting streak to 13 games with a 1-for-4 night as Nick Ferdinand tallied a tallied two base knocks to keep his seven-game hitting streak alive.-lg.jpg)
“We got a great pitching effort from Adam Davis tonight and both Ferdinand and Yezzo are swinging well,” said Delaware head coach Jim Sherman. “This was not a bad day overall to start the 2013 season, but we have plenty areas we can improve on.”
Davis (0-1) earned a tough loss in his Delaware debut as the right-hander allowed one earned run on six hits, one walk and eight strikeouts in seven innings pitched.
The Rockets took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning when Ryan Callahan hammered a one-out solo home run over the left field wall.
With two outs in the top of the eighth inning, three-straight walks to Ben Hammer, James Miglin and Anthony Smith loaded the bases for Tyler Baar, who lined a two-run single into left-center field and gave the Rockets a three-run lead, 3-0.
Delaware mounted a ninth-inning rally as Ferdinand doubled to right field and advanced to third on a wild pitch. After pinch-hitter Chris Branigan drew a walk, Tyler Powell drove in Ferdinand on a fielder’s choice that eliminated pinch-runner Zach Lopes at second base. Rockets closer Ben Hammer came in the game and collected the one out needed to end UD’s comeback attempt.
Toledo’s Kyle Shaw (1-0) tossed six scoreless innings on the mound while scattering three hits, one walk and six strikeouts for his first win of the season.
Hammer earned his first save of the season striking out the only batter he faced in the bottom of the ninth inning for the Rockets.
Delaware will continue play Saturday with a day-night doubleheader against Canisius and LaSalle. Delaware starting pitcher Eric Buckland will face Devon Stewart in the 2:30 game vs. Canisius. Later in the day, Delaware's Matt Soren will square off against LaSalle starter Shane Hollman.
