Baseball: Tigers fall on road
By: Chris Wells, Staff Writer
Towson lost its final game of the series against Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) rival Elon (15-21, 7-7 CAA) 5-2 Sunday.
Through two innings the Tigers (14-23, 5-4 CAA) were in a hole, down 4-0 the slow start proved to be too much to overcome.
“Three of those losses in a row came down to one play,” Head Coach Mike Gottlieb said. “One swing, one pitch we could have won those games.”
Junior Kevin Ross (2-4) gave up five runs on six hits in 5.1 innings and registered seven strikeouts in the loss. Sophomore David Marriggi retired eight batters and four strikeouts.
The loss marked the Tigers fifth loss in a row.
“Our top four guys rival just about anyone’s in the conference,” Gottlieb said. “We could use better hitting from the bottom of the lineup. We’ve seen flashes from them, there are moments the guys look good, but we’re not as consistent.”
Freshman Richie Palacios recorded his third homerun of the year in Saturday’s 7-6 defeat.
Despite the loss, Towson had strong showing at the plate. Palacios went 4-for-5 with two runs and two RBIs. Junior standout Chris Henze went 3-for-3 with two RBIs.
Freshman Dean Stramara (1-3) took the loss after giving up one run in two hits in 3.2 innings.
Towson lost 9-8 in devastating fashion on Friday in the series opener after allowing Elon to score four runs in the bottom of the ninth inning.
The Tigers weren’t able to hold on to their early 5-0 lead.
After one inning of play, Lee Lawler (2-2) suffered a loss giving up four runs, three walks and a hit.
Junior A.J. Gallo went 3-for-4 at bat with two runs scored. Palacios added to his impressive rookie campaign as he went 2-for-4, two runs scored, one RBI and he stole three bases.
Freshman Cuinn Mullins went 3-for-4 at bat with two doubles and two RBIs.
This series marked the continuation of the Tigers road woes but with five series against CAA rivals looming in the future it’s prepared the team to take on tougher competition.
“Virtually everyone in the country is better at home,” Gottlieb said. “It’s astonishing really, but it prepares you. You got to be able to play on the road.”
Towson will look to get back in the win column Tuesday at George Washington with the first pitch scheduled for 3 p.m.
“All season the story has been we need to be better defensively,” Gottlieb said. “We’re not as consistent there as we need to be.”
Following its game against George Washington, Towson will travel to Wilmington, North Carolina, to take on CAA rival UNC Wilmington in a three game series at Brooks Field.
The serises will begin Friday, April 22 with first pitch slated for 6 p.m.
