HBU Huskies drop first game of weekend series to Rhode Island 5-4

Photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2017 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 24, 2017) Following a big 3-2 win over the No. 19 Houston Cougars on Tuesday evening, the HBU Huskies began a three-day, four game series against the Rhode Island Rams on Friday, February 24, 2017 at Husky Field in Houston, Texas. In the first game of the series, the Rams downed HBU 5-4. The Huskies wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, scoring three runs off two hits in the first inning. The Rams answered in the second inning with a single run, giving the Huskies a 3-1 lead after two innings. The score remained at 3-1 until the fifth inning, when the Rams connected for three runs on three hits to take a 4-3 lead.

The Rams shut down the next nine Husky batters with only single batter reaching base, who was picked off attempting to steal second. HBU put a man in scoring position in the eighth inning when right fielder Brandon Brintz singled and advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt by Austin Zillweger. He advanced to third base when a balk was called on Ram reliever Vitaly Jangols. Blake Thomas came to the plate, with two runners on base. He connected on a 0-1 pitch to right fielder, sending Brintz home from third to tie the score at four.

Rhode Island took back the lead in the ninth innings when right fielder Sam Ilario scored on a single by Brett McManus. Ilario reached base when he was walked by Husky reliever JT Jakubik. Ilario promptly stole second base and advanced to third on a wild pitch. HBU got a runner to third base in the bottom of the ninth innings, but failed to get him home to close out the game.

Jangols received the win for the Rams with Jakubik getting the loss for HBU. Barss, pitching one inning of relief, received the save. The Huskies and Rams will continue the weekend series with a double-header on Saturday, February 25 with a 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. start times.