Hawks Fall To Muskingum In Opener

Port Charlotte, Fla.- Jared Patterson allowed one run over eight innings of work, as Muskingum defeated Becker 12-2 in men's baseball action.

Muskingum got on the board in the bottom of the third. After a leadoff single from Alex Vaccaro , Adam smith doubled down the left field line plating Vaccaro for the first run of the game. The Muskies added to their lead when Erik Spitzer singled in Smith, making the score 2-0.

The Muskies continued to pressure the Hawks in the bottom of the forth. Alex Vaccaro got things started with a one out double to left field.  After a Wes Carder walk and an Adam Smith single, Brock Whiteman singled up the middle, scoring Vaccaro and Carder.

Becker starting pitcher Errik Maddern was relieved by Ryan Mercado in the bottom of the sixth. Mercado quickly walked the first two batters he faced. The Muskies then executed the double steal, moving two runners into scoring position.  Brock Whiteman drove in his second run of the game with a single to left, scoring Wes Carder. With the Muskies ahead 5-0, Erik Spitzer singled pasted the drive of shortstop Jario Valdez, making the score 6-0. Tyler Hardcastle added to the Muskingum lead with a double to left center, scoring Brock Whiteman.

The Hawks finally got on the board in the eighth. Dan Briand led off the inning with a walk. After a fielder's choice, Ryan Sczerbinski singled to left, scoring Briand.

Becker added one more run in the top of the ninth, but Jared Patterson and his fellow Muskies proved to be too much for the Hawks.

Brock Whiteman had three hits and seven runs batted in go lead Muskingum to their fifth win of the season. Jared Patterson allowed seven hits over eight innings to earn the win.

Freshman Joe Corey had three hits for the Hawks. Errick Maddern allowed four earned runs over five innings in his first start of the season. Opener