March 10, 2006 - UAB 13 Rider 1
March 10, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
College Baseball
University of Alabama-Birmingham 13, Rider University 1
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA—The Broncs began a three-game series at UAB by collecting eight hits, but committed five errors in the first lop-sided loss of the season. “We’ve been competitive all season, but you’re going to have games like this,” said Rider head coach Barry Davis. “We had one bad inning where it just snowballed."
The host Blazers scored eight runs in the fourth inning on five hits and three Rider errors to break a 1-1 tie on their way to defeating Rider Friday night. “One bad inning. We have to learn how to prevent that,” Davis said.
An RBI single by Rider senior Tom Letizia (Fair Lawn, N.J./Fair Lawn) tied the score at 1-1 in the third inning. The Broncs had a chance to take a lead with bases load and just one out before hitting into a double play. “We’ve been hitting into double plays on a regular basis,” Davis said.
Junior catcher Scott Knazek (Browns Mills, N.J./Pemberton) had two of Rider’s eight hits. “Scott swung the bat well,” Davis said. “We hit the ball, and had them on the ropes a few times, but we just didn’t capitalize.”
Rider junior pitcher Erik Holck (Readington, N.J./Hunterdon Central) struck out five and allowed just two earned runs in three and one-third innings pitched. “Erik threw well,” Davis said. “He pitched out of a jam.”
Freshman Eric Reilly (Yardville, N.J./Notre Dame) pitched two scoreless innings in his collegiate debut. “I thought Reilly looked good in his first outing,’ said Davis.
Seniors Bryan Wagner (Flemington, N.J./North Hunterdon), Gene Crimoli (Shrewsbury, N.J./Christian Brothers Academy) and Mike Poalise (Hammonton, N.J./Hammonton) also singled for Rider, along with Bronc freshman Maurice Williams (Tinton Falls, N.J./Monmouth Regional) and sophomore Jon Leise (Woodbury, N.J./West Deptford). “We were able to get a lot of people some innings, some at bats, so that was a positive,” said Davis.
Rider plays the second game of the three-game series at UAB Saturday afternoon.
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