The University of Massachusetts baseball team defeated Ohio by a score of 1-0 on May 3, securing its fourth consecutive Mid-American Conference series victory at Earl Lorden Field.
This result marks a positive streak for the Minutemen as they continue their season in the conference. UMass improved to an overall record of 16-24 and a conference record of 12-15, while Ohio dropped to 9-38 overall and 6-21 in league play.
Freshman Sam Perry started on the mound for Massachusetts, holding Ohio hitless through six and one-third innings. Perry, graduate student Brandon Wingenroth, and senior Jack Niedringhaus combined efforts to complete a three-hit shutout against the Bobcats. Perry earned his second win of the season after pitching six and one-third innings with no runs allowed, one hit given up, three walks issued, and seven strikeouts—a career high for him. Wingenroth pitched one and two-thirds innings allowing only one hit with no runs while striking out one batter. Niedringhaus recorded his fifth save by pitching the final inning with one hit allowed, no runs given up, a walk issued, and one strikeout.
Offensively for UMass, Ryan Kolben led with two hits in three at-bats. Gavin O’Brien and Vance Bonior each added a hit as well. The team’s lone run came early in the first inning when Anthony Tirado walked to lead off the game before stealing second base and advancing to third on an error; Ty Fox then grounded out to bring Tirado home.
Ohio’s Evan Lichtenauer took the loss after pitching seven innings where he gave up four hits and just one run while walking one batter and striking out another.
Looking ahead, Massachusetts is set to host UMass Lowell on Wednesday, May 6 at Earl Lorden Field.
