Baseball Falls to Hartford, 3-2

The Central Connecticut baseball team fell to Hartford on Wednesday by a score of 3-2.  The Blue Devils (24-22, 15-13 NEC) came from behind to take a 2-1 lead, but were unable to hold off the Hawks (11-35).  Junior Tom Coughlin carried a not-hitter into the eight inning, but took a no decision.

Coughlin carried the no-hitter into the eighth inning, along with Central's 2-1 lead.  In the eighth, the Hawks used a leadoff double to right and a two-out double to left to score the tying run.

Coughlin allowed a run in the top of the third without the benefit of a hit, as a leadoff walk came around to score on a pair of wild pitches and a ground out.

Overall, Coughlin worked eight innings and allowed two runs on two hits.  He struck out six and walked three.

The Blue Devils scored a single run in the fourth on an RBI ground out by junior Tyler McIntyre.  Senior Jake Matuszak scored the run after starting the inning with a bunt single.  Matuszak advanced to second on a throwing error and then stole third base.

Central's second run came in the sixth inning.  Senior Mitch Wells singled to start the frame and sophomore JP Sportman followed with a base hit to center.  McIntyre bunted for a hit and a throwing error by the pitcher allowed Wells to score from second base on the play.

Freshman Brendan Karinchak started the ninth inning on the mound.  He allowed a leadoff single and then recorded an out on a sacrifice bunt.

Freshman Dominic Serverino replaced Karinchak on the mound and walked the first three hitters he faced, forcing in a run.  He was able to end the inning without further damage by inducing a 6-4-3 double play to end the frame.

Karinchak falls to 3-3 on the season with the loss.

Wells and Sophomore Dylan DelaCruz both went three-for-four in the game.  Senior Danny Hickey was two-for-four at the plate.

The Blue Devils will return to action next Thursday at Mount St. Mary's.