(CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.) – The first home doubleheader for Wilson resulted in a split as the Phoenix took the opening game they were downed by Rutgers-Camden in the nightcap. The Phoenix split a tie in the fifth inning of Game 1 to propel them to the win, while Game 2 was called after five innings because of darkness.
The Basics
Scores: Game 1 – Wilson 6, Rutgers-Camden 5
Game 2 – Wilson 1, Rutgers-Camden 6 (5 innings)
Venue: Henninger Field
Records: Wilson 6-3, Rutgers-Camden 3-2
How It Happened – Game 1
- The Raptors got on the board first with a bases-loaded walk in the top of the second, but the Phoenix answered in a big way with a five-spot in the bottom of the frame. Gerald Buchanan (Gr., Olney, Md. / Montgomery CC) led off the rally with a single through the left side and later scored on a grounder by Alex Seidleck (So., Crownsville, Md. / Indian Creek). One batter later Brady Andre (Jr., Brookeville, Md. / Sherwood) lined one up the middle to bring in Doc Daniels (So., Deal Island, Md. / Crisfield). Jordan McKenzie (Jr., White Plains, Md. / Southern Maryland) kept the inning alive with a double to right before Ryan Torres (So., Baltimore, Md. / Archbishop Curley) singled in Andre for a 3-1 lead. Dean Mercer (Sr., Dunedin, Fla. / Clearwater Central Catholic) closed out the scoring with a hard-hit single through the right side that scored Torres and McKenzie.
- After a scoreless third, Rutgers-Camden came back to tie the game in the fourth. Three consecutive hits near the beginning of the inning helped the Raptors cut the deficit to 5-4 before tying the game after Chris Bonafiglia was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.
- The Phoenix were able to get back on the scoreboard in the bottom of the fifth. Michael Marrale (5th, Sykesville, Md. / Old Dominion) led off the inning with a triple to right center and scored on Buchanan's sac fly to center one batter later. The Raptors threatened in the seventh, but Jacob Whittington (Gr., Salisbury, Md. / Univ. of the Sciences) took the mound in relief and retired the final two batters for his second save of the season.
- Seth Smart (Fy., Seaford, Del. / Woodbridge) recorded the win in relief to improve to 2-0 on the season. He struck out two in 2.2 innings of work.
How It Happened – Game 2
- The Raptors took an early lead as a bases-loaded base hit up the middle scored a pair, but the Phoenix were able to escape the jam as the visitors loaded the bases once again. Rutgers-Camden added another pair in the third on a double to right and a bunt base hit down the third base line. A sac fly in the fourth added to their lead to make the score 5-0.
- Marrale eventually got Wilson on the board with a home run to left field, his second round trip of the season. However, the Raptors returned the favor in the fifth with a home run to the same location.
- Wilson attempted to rally a comeback in the fifth as Andre and Michael McGee (Sr., Frederick, Md. / Thomas Johnson) led off with a pair of singles, but both were left stranded. The game was called because of darkness at the conclusion of the fifth.
Inside The Numbers
- Brayden Stutzman (Fy., Mt. Airy, Md. / South Carroll) started Game 1 for the Phoenix and struck out five while allowing one run in three innings of work.
- Eight different players combined for 11 hits in Game 1 for the Blue and Black. Daniels was a perfect 3-for-3 while Andre also had a multiple-hit game going 2-for-2.
- Mercer's hit streak reached 10 games dating back to last season before being snapped in the second game.
Up Next
The Phoenix are off until Saturday when they will conclude their five-game home stand with a single game against St. Mary's (Md.). First pitch is set for 2 p.m.
