WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – The Husson University baseball team was defeated by the Mitchell Mariners, 11-3, at Chain of Lakes Park Stadium on Friday morning.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Husson (2-6) scored the first run of the game in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Freshman Ryan Hoogterp was hit by a pitch and would advance to third on back-to-back walks of teammates Mike Wong and Stefen Strachan. Hoogterp crossed home plate on a wild pitch from the Mitchell starter. The Eagles were leading 1-0 after the 2nd inning. The Mariners (7-1) evened the score when Eric Marriott worked a two out walk in the top of the 3rd. Kyle Hartenstein would take advantage of the free pass and single home the tying run. Mitchell would add another run in their half of the 4th and 5th inning, taking a 3-1 lead. A Steven Pagan RBI single in the 6th inning would give the Mariners another run and extend their advantage to 4-1.

In the bottom of the 6th inning, Luke Covey reached on an error by the short stop then stole second base. Hoogterp, who scored earlier in the game, lined a single to centerfield. It was enough to score Covey from second and cut the lead to 4-2. Unfortunately, Mitchell scored four runs in their next at bat and three runs in the top of 8th. In the Eagles' final at bat of the day, Hoogterp once again singled and scored for the Eagles. Strachan was credited with the RBI fielder's choice. The Mariners, though, would hold onto the 11-3 lead for their eighth victory of the 2018 season.

ON THE MOUND:

Austin Smith (0-2) started the game for Husson and went 5.0 innings. He allowed three runs and struck out one. Nolan Dousa, Dustin Smith, Jacob Gauvin, and Cody Collins finished the game for the Eagles and allowed eight runs while striking out two.

Eric Russo got the nod for the Mariners and only lasted 1.2 innings while walking five and allowing one run. Brian Ricker came in and went 6.1 innings for Mitchell and allowed one run and three hits. Justin Lawson pitched the 9th inning and allowed one run.

OFF THE BAT – HUSSON:

• Hoogterp recorded two hits, scored two runs, and drove in one run.

• Alex Chapman and Wong each had one hit on the morning.

OFF THE BAT – MITCHELL:

• Steven Pagan went 4-5 and drove home three runs.

• James Rangel and Kyle Hartenstein each had three hits for the Mariners.

NEXT!

The green and gold will head north and return to action on March 24th when they host a doubleheader with Norwich at the Dr. John W. Winkin Sports Complex. First pitch for game one is scheduled for 12:00 pm.