WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. ? Capped by Brett Holland's two-out, infield single in the bottom of the tenth inning, Monmouth rallied for a 6-5 Northeast Conference victory over Mount St. Mary's on Sunday afternoon. With the win, Monmouth, which rallied from a 5-2 deficit in the sixth inning, improves to 31-12 overall and 16-4 in the NEC. MSM falls to 14-28 and 10-9 in league play.
In the bottom of the tenth frame, Ryan Terry dropped laid down a bunt down the third base line for a single, moved to second on a Chris Collazo sacrifice bunt, and scored on Holland's infield single. Holland's drive was headed through the right side, but Mount second baseman Matt Eiden made a diving stop, but was unable to make a play, as Terry came home with the winning run.
Monmouth senior Andy Meyers connected on a two-run home run to right field in the first inning to give the Hawks an early 2-0 advantage against Costa Kapothanasis.
MSM knotted the score in the top of the third inning as a lead off double from Alex Andrews and a single from Eiden put runners at the corners. With two runners on, Drew Counselman doubled to right center to tie the score at 2-2.
The Mount went ahead 3-2 in the top of the fourth when Ryan Murray led off with a double, advanced to third on a groundout, and scored when Matt Staso reached on an infield fielding error.
MSM loaded the bases with no outs in the top of the sixth, before Zach Helman laced a run-scoring single through the left side on a 2-2 pitch, giving the Mountaineers a 4-2 edge, while keeping the bags packed. After a strikeout, Eiden dropped down a sacrifice bunt, as Kyle Kane was breaking for home, to put the Mount ahead 5-2. After a hit-by-pitch loaded the bases again, Tim Dexter relieved Brach and got Counselman to pop out to end the inning.
The Hawks pulled within 5-3 in the home half of the sixth when Kyle Higgins led off with a single. On Higgins' successful steal attempt of second, a throwing error allowed the senior to move to third, and score when Nick Pulsonetti beat out an infield hit. After designated hitter Tim McEndy drew a walk, reliever Mike Matta struck out Terry on three pitches to squelch the rally attempt.
Monmouth loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh inning, but Shawn Teters grounded into a 5-4-3 double play to end the rally.
Meyers' second homer of the game, an opposite field shot on a 3-2 pitch, pulled Monmouth within 5-4 in the bottom of the eighth. Meyers, who worked out of an 0-2 hole, laced the shot to left center.
The Hawks continued the rally when McEndy connected on an infield single, Terry doubled down the left field line and the Mountaineers intentionally walked Collazo to load the bases with one out. Holland then drew a walk in an eight-pitch at-bat to drive in the tying run at 5-5. Matta escaped without further damage, striking out both pinch hitter Rick Niederhaus and Higgins to end the inning.
Brett Brach worked 5.2 innings, allowing five runs on nine hits, with six strikeouts, a walk and three hit batters. Dexter tossed two scoreless innings for the Hawks, while Esposito earned the win working 2.3 scoreless innings, improving to 2-0 on the year.
Kapothanasis, making his fourth start of the year, worked 5.2 frames, surrendering three runs on five hits, while striking out two, in the no-decision. Matta (4-2) suffered the loss for the Mount, allowing three runs on seven hits over four inning of relief.
Meyers' two homers gave him four on the season, and 23 in his career, moving him into fifth all-time in the category, as the senior led the Hawks' 12-hit attack. Meyers, who drove in three, now has 179 RBI, which ranks second all-time at Monmouth. Pulsonetti, Terry and Holland each had two hits as well.
Monmouth returns to action on Friday, May 9, when the Hawks host FDU in game one of a Northeast Conference series. First pitch is set for 3 p.m.
