(Mesa, AZ) The Park University – Gilbert baseball team dropped both ends of a double header to Embry Riddle 12-2 and 10-5 to lose the series to the Eagles and drop into fifth place in the California Pacific Conference. The Buccaneers are now 11-14 overall and 8-10 in conference play.
The Bucs held the Eagles bats in check over the first four innings in game one, before ERAU put up a five spot in the fifth to break the game open. The Eagles went on to score in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings to end the game by run rule.
The Buc bats were silenced only managing six hits in eight innings. The team left seven runners on base. They were 1-9 with runners in scoring position despite getting the leadoff runner on four times in the eight innings.
Starting pitcher Shaun Atamanchuk (1-3) had only allowed two runs through the first four innings before running into difficulties in the fifth. He ended the game allowing seven runs (four earned) while walking six and striking out three. The Buccaneers also did not help themselves defensively committing six errors.
Aaron Stinnett posted two hits offensively for the Bucs.
Embry Riddle used the momentum of the end of game one and took it into game two, posting seven runs on nine hits in the first two innings of the night cap of the double header to put Park Gilbert in a significant deficit right out of the gate.
ERAU would take a 9-1 lead before the Park would mount a small comeback posting four runs over the final three innings, but it was just too little too late.
The Bucs defense hurt them in the second game as well as they committed four errors which led to three unearned runs.
Seven players had hits including four extra base knocks. Joaquin Martinez scored twice.
Starting pitcher Matthew Armendariz (1-3) took the loss,
Things do not get any easier for the Buccaneers as they will close out the home season with a three-game set with No. 18 Benedictine Mesa who has won 23 of its last 24 games. Game one on Friday April 21 will start at 3 p.m. followed by a double header on Saturday, April 22 at 11 and 3. All games will be played at Legacy Sports Complex.
Press Release courtesy of Park University Athletics – Preston English
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