College Baseball
Samford University 3, Rider University 1
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA?Despite out-hitting the Bulldogs 8-6, Rider lost to Samford Friday evening. “We out-hit them but we were unproductive,” said Rider head coach Barry Davis. “We didn't do a whole lot right.”
The Broncs cut the lead to 3-1 in the seventh inning on an RBI single by junior James Hayes (Sunrise, Fla./Piper). Hayes had two of Rider's eight hits. “Jamie hit the ball well,” Davis said.
“We got the leadoff runner on base the first three or four innings but we couldn't move the runners,” Davis said. “We hit into three double plays and left eight men on base. We missed opportunities.”
Junior Mike Petrowski (Hamilton Square, N.J./Steinert) started and pitched eight innings, allowing just two earned runs on six hits while striking out two. “Mike threw fine,” Davis said. “He pitched all eight innings and threw great. When you pitch eight innings and only allow what he gave up you deserve better. He didn't have many strikeouts because they put the ball in play.”
Samford (7-6) took a 1-0 lead in the third inning without a hit, on a pair of walks, an error and a fielder's choice ground out. The Bulldogs added two more runs in the fourth on three hits to take a 3-0 lead.
Junior Maurice Williams (Ocean, N.J./Monmouth Regional) had two hits for Rider, including a double, and now had 97 career hits. “Mo had some good at bats,” Davis said. Williams improved his batting average to .429 on the season.
Senior Jon Leise (Woodbury, N.J./West Deptford) also had two hits for Rider (6-3).
Rider plays at Samford Saturday afternoon. “Samford is good enough that we have to play better to beat them,” Davis said. “I expect a good game tomorrow.”
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