The University of Massachusetts baseball team lost to Western Michigan, 3-2, in the second game of their series at Hyames Field on March 28.
The close result puts UMass at a season record of 5-13 overall and 1-10 in the Mid-American Conference. Western Michigan now stands at an even 12-12 overall and holds an 8-3 conference record.
UMass players Gavin O’Brien, Reece McCarthy, and Ryan Kolben each recorded one hit. Kolben’s hit was his second home run this season and the fourth of his career. Anthony Tirado and Kolben scored runs for UMass, while Kolben and Will Briggs were credited with runs batted in.
Western Michigan took the lead after three scoreless innings with a run on a ground out. The Broncos added two more runs in the sixth inning to extend their advantage to three. UMass responded late in the game: Kolben’s solo home run put them on the board in the eighth inning, followed by Briggs’ ground out that allowed Tirado to score, closing the gap to one run. However, Western Michigan held onto its lead through the end of regulation.
Adam Merritt started for UMass and took his third loss of the season after pitching five-and-two-thirds innings with three runs allowed on three hits, two walks, and a career-high seven strikeouts. Sam Carlisle earned his second win for Western Michigan after striking out thirteen batters over seven innings while allowing just one hit and three walks. Adam Lehmann secured his second save despite giving up a hit and walk without recording any strikeouts.
The teams are scheduled to play their series finale on Sunday at Robert J. Bobb Stadium.
