Release written by Dylan Porcaro, Sports Information Intern
BOSTON, Mass. – An offensive onslaught in the first inning coupled with six errors by Salem State University gave the fifth/sixth ranked Beacons their 13th straight win as they defeated the Vikings 15-1 Thursday afternoon at Monan Park.
THE BASICS
#5/6 UMass Boston 15, Salem State University 1
UMass Boston (24-5)
Salem State University (14-12)
HOW IT HAPPENED
After a quick outing by Josh Gerson (Melville, N.Y.) held the Vikings scoreless in the top half of the first inning, things truly took a turn for the worse for Salem State in bottom half of the inning.
To say that the Vikings struggled defensively would be an understatement, as they were charged with six errors, which UMB turned into a season-high 11 runs. The Beacons successfully batted through the order in the opening frame, with no outs on the scoreboard. Every player that came to the dish, made their way home thanks to either a hit or an error.
All 11 runs allowed by the Vikings were unearned as starter Andrew McLaughlin was left to fend for himself. The right allowed just six hits and did not record strikeout or a walk in 2/3 of an inning. Dylan McCormick closed out the frame, and finished with a team-high two strikeouts.
After the explosive first inning, the bats went cold for UMB, while Salem State managed to scratch across their only run of the day in the top of the second inning.
UMB's only other inning where they were able to add to their lead was in the fifth. The Beacons tacked on four more runs to seal the victory. The main highlight of the fifth was a Kyle Boudrias (Medford, Mass.) two-run homer, the first of his college career.
The only other extra base hits in the game for the Beacons were doubles off the bats of Dave Murphy (Plymouth, Mass.) and Wanderson Pinales (Bani, D.R.).
In total the Beacons featured eight different pitchers, with the win going to Patrick Maguire, the first of his college career. In his one outing of work, the freshman allowed just one hit. Chris Munro (Marshfield, Mass.) and Anthony Pescara (Hinsdale, Ill.) each recorded a team-high two strikeouts, while the lone Salem State run was charged to Gerson.
BY THE NUMBERS
- The Beacons tied the program record for 13-straight wins, match last season's mark
- It is the longest regular season win-streak in program history
- Boudrias' home run marked the first of his standout college career
- UMass Boston has now won five straight over the Vikings, including three at Monan Park
WHO'S NEXT
The Beacons will host Keene State College on Saturday at 12 p.m. in a Little East Conference doubleheader.