College Baseball
Longwood University 2, Rider University 0
Longwood University 2, Rider University 1
LAWRENCEVILLE-The Broncs lost a non-conference doubleheader to Longwood Friday. "We played like we had nothing to play for," said Rider head coach Barry Davis, whose team has already qualified for post-season play. "We did not come ready to play. We came out flat, and that is disappointing."
Rider (20-31, 13-11 MAAC) out-hit Longwood (27-20) in both games, and the five Bronc pitchers allowed just eight hits in 16 innings. "I thought we pitched great today," Davis said. "Two well-pitched games."
In the second game, Rider scored its only run of the day on a pair of singles by sophomore Jerry Mulderig (Langhorne, PA/Council Rock South) and senior Brandon Cotten (Wiconisco, Pa./Williams Valley), a sacrifice bunt and an RBI ground out by junior Ian Lindsay (Oaklyn/Haddon Twp.)
Cotten had three of Rider's seven hits.
A two-run single with two outs in the fourth inning gave the Lancers a 2-0 lead.
Junior Tyler Smith (Westmont/Haddon Twp.) pitched four innings, striking out four while allowing two runs on four hits in his final tune-up before post-season play.
Rider junior Sean Kuberiet (Branchburg/Somerville) pitched two innings of scoreless, hitless relief, striking out one and freshman closer freshman Zach Mawson (Magnolia, DE/Caesar Rodney) pitched a three-up, three-down final inning.
"Kuberiet and Mawson both did a good job," Davis said.
Rider out-hit Longwood 7-4 in the second game.
In the first game the Broncs out-hit Longwood 5-4.
"We got more hits than they did but we didn't hit when it counted," Davis said. "It comes down to getting hits with runners in scoring position."
Junior Adam Wayman (Wilkes-Barre, Pa./G.A.R. Memorial) had two of Rider's first three hits and had four hits on the day.
Sophomore Mike Murphy (Hamilton/Peddie) pitched six innings, allowing two runs on four hits. "We knew we weren't going to go long with Murph today," Davis said, "but when he was in there he pitched fine."
Freshman Eric Thomas (Dallastown, PA/Dallastown Area) pitched the final three hitless, scoreless innings, striking out three. "Eric was good," Davis said.
Longwood took a 2-0 lead in the fourth inning with a single and a home run.
Rider and Longwood will play another 12 noon doubleheader on Saturday to end the regular season. Prior to Saturday's first game Rider will honor its four graduating seniors. "I would think that they would want to play well in their final home game," Davis said about Saturday. "I would think pride would kick in a little bit. Good teams play no matter what the circumstances are."
Rider clinched a playoff berth in the four-team 2012 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Championship Tournament, May 24-27 at Joe Bruno Stadium in Troy, NY, hosted by Siena. Manhattan, Canisius and Fairfield are the other three teams in the tournament. The official pairings and seeds will be announced Monday.
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