College Baseball
Charleston So. University 12, Rider University 7
CHARLESTON, SC-The Broncs lost at Charleston Southern Saturday afternoon, as the Bucs evened the series at 1-1. "We did a few things well today," said Rider head coach Barry Davis, "we just didn't pitch."
Rider (4-7) scored three runs in the ninth inning on three hits for the final score.
Rider sophomore Nick Crescenzo (Hammonton, NJ/Hammonton) hit a two-run single in the ninth inning and had two hits and three RBI on the day. "Nick struck out a few times today but still ended up with a productive day," Davis said.
Senior Brandon Cotten (Wiconisco, Pa./Williams Valley) also had two of Rider's eight hits, including a double, and scored two runs, had an RBI and a stolen base. "He swung the bat good again today," Davis said.
Charleston Southern (5-10) scored five runs in the fifth inning on four hits, including a two-run home run, to take an 11-4 lead. "We had a chance to turn a double play and we didn't, and the next batter hits a home run," Davis said. "We turn that double play we're still in the ball game."
CSU scored five runs in the first inning on three hits, including a grand slam, two walks and an error to take a 5-1 lead. "When you dig yourself a hole like that it makes it tough," Davis said.
The Broncs scored three runs in the fourth inning on four hits, including RBI singles by freshman Mike Parsons (Liverpool, NY) and Crescenzo to cut the lead to 6-4. "I thought we did a good job of getting back into the game," Davis said.
Cotten led off the game with a single, stole second, went to third on a throwing error and scored on a bunt by junior Ian Lindsay (Oaklyn/Haddon Twp.) to give Rider a brief 1-0 lead. "We looked good out of the gate but we struggled on the mound today," Davis said.
Junior Adam Wayman (Wilkes-Barre, Pa./G.A.R. Memorial) also had two hits for the Broncs.
Senior pitcher Patrick Devlin (Richboro, Pa./Council Rock North) started the game for Rider and suffered the loss.
Rider will play CSU again Sunday before traveling to North Carolina to take on Campbell Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. "We're very young but we're growing every day," Davis said. "We are not the team we were the last few years, but I think we'll get there. It just might come with some pain."
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