WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ – Rob Hensey struck out 11 in eight shutout innings and
Alex Barker homered as Monmouth University Baseball (9-12) topped Fordham University (6-15) in the 2022 home opener Sunday, 3-2.
Rob Hensey struck out five in the first two innings before MU got on the board in the fourth. A hit by pitch, single and walk filled the bases for
Brady Mutz to lift a sacrifice fly to the opposite field and put the Hawks in front. Hensey only allowed two runners as far as second base in his outing.
A walk in the fifth set up
Alex Barker to launch a home run into the wind over the right field wall to extend the lead to 3-0. After Hensey concluded his eight shutout innings with no walks and 11 K's, Fordham loaded the bases in the ninth.
Mason Miller came on to record a strikeout, and
Ryan Bearse picked up a second before a bases loaded walk and a wild pitch scored two quickly for Fordham. Bearse was able to get Will Findlay to swing through a 1-2 pitch to lock down the save and the home-opening victory.
NOTES AND QUOTES
"It was nice to finally play at home. We got excellent pitching and played good defense when we needed to. Hensey threw the ball well today, he set the tone from the first pitch and then we had to turn it over to the bullpen in the ninth. Miller got a huge strikeout in a big spot and Bearse was able to close it out. It was nice to see the veteran presence on the mound today. Offensively we did what we needed to do. Looking forward to starting conference play at home next weekend." – Head Coach
Dean Ehehalt
-Hensey tied a career-high with 11 strikeouts.
-Hensey matched a career-best with eight innings pitched.
-This marked the eighth scoreless outing of Hensey's career.
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Ryan Bearse earned his second career save and first since March 7, 2020 at George Washington.
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Alex Barker homered for the second straight game.
-Monmouth won its home opener for the second straight year.
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Casey Caufield is the sixth Hawk to draw three walks in a game this season.
NUMBERS CRUNCH
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Rob Hensey picked up his first win of the year with eight shutout innings, fanning 11 with non walks.
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Ryan Bearse recorded the final two outs to pick up the save.
-MU limited Fordham to 0-for-6 with two outs.
UP NEXT
-Monmouth heads to in-state foe Seton Hall to take on the Pirates Tuesday at 4:00 p.m.
