WATERVILLE, Maine — The Husson University baseball team dropped both ends of a North Atlantic Conference doubleheader at Thomas College on Sunday, falling 9-5 in game one and 5-3 in game two.
Game 1: Thomas 9, Husson 5
In the opener, Husson (9-12, 8-3 NAC) jumped out to an early lead, plating a run in the first inning after junior Henry Lausier drew a bases-loaded walk to score senior Hunter Curtis. The Eagles added another run in the second when senior Cam Rendell delivered an RBI single to bring home freshman Preston Libby, making it 2-0.
Thomas (7-15, 5-6 NAC) responded in the bottom of the second, capitalizing on a home run and a passed ball to take a 3-2 lead. Husson answered immediately in the third with a big inning, as sophomore Yates Emerson singled home a run before Rendell came through again with a two-run single, giving the Eagles a 5-3 advantage.
The lead would not hold, however. Thomas tied the game in the fourth with a two-run single and then took the lead later in the inning on a bases-loaded walk. The Terriers continued to add on in the fifth and sixth innings, scoring two more runs and another insurance run to secure the 9-5 victory.
Rendell led Husson offensively in game one, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs, while Emerson recorded three hits and an RBI. Curtis and freshman John Hanlon each added a hit and a run scored. On the mound, senior Cam Rendell started and allowed three runs over two innings, while freshman Blake Littlefield was charged with the loss.
Game 2: Thomas 5, Husson 3
In game two, Husson (9-13, 8-4 NAC) again started strong, scoring twice in the first inning. Senior Colin Marshall opened the game with a double before Rendell launched a two-run home run to right-center field, putting the Eagles ahead 2-0.
Thomas (8-15, 6-6 NAC) chipped away at the lead, scoring twice in the third inning—both runs coming across following defensive miscues—and then taking a 3-2 lead in the fourth on another unearned run. The Terriers added single runs in the fifth and sixth innings to extend the lead to 5-2.
Husson threatened late in the seventh inning. Emerson singled and later scored on an RBI play by Rendell, while the Eagles loaded the bases with two outs. However, Thomas escaped the jam to secure the sweep.
Marshall and Emerson each had multi-hit games in the nightcap, while Lausier added a pair of hits. Rendell drove in all three Husson runs, including his first-inning home run. Freshman Jack Karlonas took the loss on the mound, allowing three runs (two earned) over four innings, while sophomore Avery Lawrence provided two innings of relief.
The Eagles will look to shake off the tough day on Wednesday when they host Colby College at 5 p.m. in non-conference action at the Winkin Complex.
