FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Neumann University Baseball team opened the season on Saturday afternoon, dropping two close non-conference games at the Diamond Invitational. They fell to DeSales University, 5-4 before dropping a 4-3 decision to host Methodist University.
After giving up two runs in the third inning of the day's first game against DeSales, Neumann got on the board in the top of the fourth when
Brandon Colon scored from third on a wild pitch. The Bulldogs responded with a single run in the bottom of the inning for a 3-1 lead.
In the fifth,
Zion Spearman smashed an RBI double down the left field line, pulling the Knights within one. After a pitching change,
Brandon Colon drove in two with a single into left, scoring Spearman and
Joe Boccio, giving them a 4-3 advantage. DeSales tied the game up in the bottom of the inning and took the lead for good on an RBI single in the seventh.
Brandon Colon closed the game out 2 for 5 with a double, two runs batted in, and a run scored. Both Boccio and
Nick Glebocki went 2 for 4 with a run scored.
Vic Mejia(0-1) suffered the loss as he hurled the loss 3.2 innings, giving up one run on six hits and a strikeout.
In the second game of the day, against the hosts, Methodist University, the Monarch got on the board first with a second inning RBI single. The teams traded runs in the sixth as
Donovan Brooks scored on a Boccio RBI double down the left field line. Methodist responded with a sacrifice fly to regain the lead. In the seventh, a two-run single gave the Monarchs a 4-1 lead.
After a scoreless eighth,
Brandon Colon singled with one out then reach second on a wild pitch.
Thomas Elgrim moved him to third with a double.
Brandon Colon would then scored on a wild pitch, moving Elgrim to third.
Isaiah Payton plated Elgrim with a sacrifice fly, pulling the Knights within one, but they would strand the tying run at second.
Elgrim finished the game 2 for 4 with a run scored.
Aidan Jackson had a strong start, earned the no-decision in six innings of work, allowing two runs on six hits and three walks, while striking out one.
Morgan D'Amico(0-1) was saddled with the loss, pitching two innings allowing two runs on one hit and two walks, fanning two.
Neumann (0-2) will return to action on Sunday as they conclude the Diamond Invitational with another non-conference game against Penn State- Abington. First pitch at Methodist University is scheduled for 11:00 AM.
