AMBLER, PA. ? Monmouth University, which collected 13 hits, stranded the game-tying run in scoring position, in an 8-7 loss at Temple University on Tuesday afternoon, in non-conference action. The defeat, Monmouth's second straight one-run loss, drops the Hawks' record to 7-9 overall.
The Hawks notched a run in the top of the first when freshman David Jacob led off the contest with a single up the middle, stole second and advanced to third on a groundout. With Jacob on third, Ryan Terry delivered a run-scoring single through the left side of the infield, to push Monmouth in front, 1-0.
Kyle Obal's sacrifice fly to center knotted the score in the home half of the first, as Jamie Abercrombie scored after leading off the frame with a single.
Jacob, who collected a one-out single in the third inning, put the Hawks ahead 2-1, as the rightfielder came around on Terry's second RBI single of the game.
Two singles and a free pass from Monmouth starting pitcher Andy McDonnell, loaded the bases for the Owls in the third, but an inning-ending double play helped the Hawks escape and maintain a one-run edge.
Monmouth snared a 5-1 advantage in the fifth frame, as the Hawks strung together two hits, a walk and a bases-clearing double, all with two away. With two outs, Chris Collazo and Terry each singled, which was followed by a walk to Rick Niederhaus. With the bags packed, Nick Pulsonetti pulled a three-run double down the left field line, giving Monmouth a four-run lead.
Temple pulled within 5-2 in the bottom of the fifth, as a pair of two-out fielding errors lead to a run for the Owls.
Temple rallied with four runs in the sixth frame on four hits and a Monmouth error, to grab a 6-5 lead. With two outs, Sean Barksdale connected on a two-run single, the Owls notched a run on a throwing error during a steal attempt, and Obal delivered a run-scoring single.
Monmouth, which left the bases loaded in the top of the seventh, tied the score in the eighth as Josh Boyd led off with a triple to right center, his first career triple. Collazo followed with a one-out single, which allowed Boyd to knot the score at 6-6.
The Owls responded by loading the bases in the bottom of the eighth with no outs, as a bunt single, double and intentional walk packed the bags. Temple regained an advantage when Tony Jusino's single to right off McNamara made the score 7-6.
After a fielder's choice cut down a run at home, and a fly out, pinch-hitter Lenny DelGrippo's single to right put Temple ahead 8-6. On the play, Monmouth threw a runner out at home, as Jacob and first baseman Paul Bottigliero combined to catch Jusino at the plate, as Bobby Dombrowski applied the tag.
Monmouth notched back-to-back, one-out doubles in the top of the ninth to pull within 8-7, as Pulsonetti and Bottigliero traded places, but stranded the tying run at second.
McDonnell, making his first appearance of the season and first career start, worked four innings for the Hawks, allowing just one run on four hits. The junior added three strikeouts and pitched around four walks. In relief of McDonnell, senior Tim Ballard surrendered five runs on five hits, in two innings of work.
Sophomore Nick McNamara (0-2), who was saddled with the loss, allowed two runs on five hits in two innings.
Temple's starter, freshman Tyler Horst, tossed five innings in his first career start, surrendering five runs on eight hits.
Monmouth, which had four extra-base hits, was paced by Terry's four-hit afternoon, while Jacob collected his first career two-hit game.
Monmouth returns to action tomorrow, when the Hawks take on in-state rival Seton Hall, in non-conference action. First pitch has been moved to 6 p.m.
