WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ – Monmouth University Baseball took the opener of a doubleheader, 10-5 over the University of Delaware Friday behind 16 hits, including home runs from Phil Stahl and James Harmstead. MU pitching recorded 12 strikeouts in the nightcap but Delaware took the final game, 3-0. The Hawks concluded the 2023 season with 16 victories.
 
In the opener, the teams traded runs early before a double from Will Trochiano that nearly left the yard tied the game and Andrew Schmid followed with a single inside third to gibe MU the lead. After the Blue Hens got even in the fifth, Monmouth would score six unanswered to take control of the contest. Stahl made it 5-4 Hawks with a solo homer to center, and Eric Sabato plated a run with a perfectly placed bunt. AN error in the seventh jumpstarted the frame for MU, which saw Harry Padden line an RBI single to right. Harmstead launched his team-leading seventh home run of the season in the eighth, a two-run shot to make it 10-4 as Alex Barker finished off 5.1 stellar relief innings to secure the 10-5 win.
 
Drew Helmstetter was excellent for MU in Game Two, striking out seven and throwing his first five scoreless. IN the sixth, Delaware scored twice and the Blue Hens plated an insurance run in the ninth to win, 3-0. Nate Rolka and Anthony Gubitosi combined to one-hit MU on the afternoon.
 
NOTES AND QUOTES
 
"Very proud of the group of seniors we had a chance to honor today. It was nice to recognize so many fine people in front of their families, friends and teammates. Also, a tip of the cap to all the parents throughout the season, especially the senior parents; they come to all the games, battle the elements and are at the game every day. The 2023 team will be remembered well on and off the field. A unique group of young men that came to compete daily.  We will celebrate the positives and look forward to starting to work towards next season." – Head Coach Dean Ehehalt

Game One
 
-Monmouth picked up its first home win in CAA play ever.
-Monmouth's 16 hits were the Hawks fourth highest output of the season.
-James Harmstead's home run was the 27^th of his career, moving him into fifth alone in program history and passing Andy Meyers and Danny Avella.
-Phil Stahl matched his career best with his fifth home run of the season.
-Will Trochiano posted his second three-hit game of the season.
-Monmouth honored 13 members of the senior class pregame.
-Ben Winstead posted his fourth three-hit game this year.
-Alex Barker earned his team leading fourth win in relief.
 
Game Two
 
-James Harmstead collected hits in each game of the doubleheader.
-Drew Helmstetter posted a season-best with seven K's.
-Tommy Kent fanned four for the fifth time this season.
 
NUMBERS CRUNCH
 
Game One
 
-Monmouth outhit Delaware 16-10.
-The Blue Hens made all three errors in the game.
-Alex Barker threw 5.1 innings in relief, allowing two runs with four K's to earn the win.
-Reed Interdonato allowed just three hits in 3.2 innings making the start.
 
Game Two
 
-Delaware outhit Monmouth 8-1.
-Drew Helmstetter struck out a season-best seven in 5.2 innings making the start.
-MU pitching fanned 12 in the game.
-Delaware's Rolka and Gubitosi combined to throw a one-hit shutout.
 
UP NEXT
-Monmouth concludes the 2023 season, its first as a member of the CAA, with a 16-30 record and 6-22 mark in the CAA.