BARTON, N.C. - Four Millersville errors helped Barton to a 4-2 win over the visiting Marauders on Monday's series finale.
Millersville (2-1) took two of three games in the opening series of the season but mistakes ultimately cost the Marauders the series sweep. Millersville committed an error in each of the three innings that Barton scored, resulting in a pair of unearned runs, and one of those runs reached base on free pass.
At the plate, Millersville matched Barton with five hits and drew three walks to Barton's one, but could not find the timely hit.
Millersville cut Barton's lead down to 3-2 in the fifth inning, getting an RBI double from
Tyler Wright and an RBI single from
Jimmy Losh but could do no further damage. The Marauders managed just two baserunners over the final four innings as Barton reliever Brett Widerman was nearly perfect. Widerman struck out five, walked one and did not allow a hit over four innings. Ian Asken (1-0) earned the win after striking out eight in five innings.
Freshman
Kory Williams made his first career start for the Marauders and pitched three innings, allowing two unearned runs and three total on three hits and a walk. He also struck out three. Garret Blankenbiller fanned six with an unearned run allowed in 3 2/3 innings of relief.
Harry Prince struck out a pair in 1 1/3.
Five Marauders split the team's five hits.
John Seibert and Wright scored the team's two runs.
Bren Taylor drew a pair of walks.
POSTGAME REACTION FROM COACH JON SHEHAN
• On the team's performance: "Barton pitched well, but our defense let us down a little bit, and when that happens, and we get down, we have a choice to continue to do what we do offensively or press. We pressed. Our chase rates increased big time. So, we will learn from that and do our best to stay in the process."
• On highlights from the first three games: "I was pleased with our bullpen. They did an outstandinb job.
Kory Williams looked unintimidated in his first outing, too. If we play good defense, he may have thrown up a zero.
Harry Prince was outstanding, as was (Carson) Kulina."
• On the team's performance on the weekend: "I thought Losh and Bren were as advertised. (Thomas) Caufield will get it going. He hit three or four balls hard with very little to show for them. When our starters get going, our defense plays well, and a few of our hitters settle in, we will be tough to beat."
UP NEXT
• Millersville travels to Morehead City, N.C., for three games from Feb. 16-17.
