LITTLE FALLS, N.J. – The Husson University baseball team began play in the NCAA regionals Friday morning, falling to No. 9 Endicott College, 17-0, in NCAA Tournament action at Yogi Berra Stadium on the campus of Montclair State University.
Endicott (36-9) opened the scoring in the bottom of the second inning on an RBI single from James Benestad before adding three more runs in the third inning to take a 4-0 advantage. Cade Bernardo drove in a run with a single, AJ Hamm was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, and Benestad added another RBI after being hit by a pitch.
The Gulls extended the lead in the fifth inning as Benestad delivered an RBI single before TJ Liponis followed with a two-run single to left field, making it 7-0.
Endicott broke the game open with a seven-run sixth inning. John Fusco highlighted the frame with a three-run home run to right center, while Liponis added a two-run double later in the inning.
The Gulls added three more runs in the eighth inning on an RBI double from Liponis and sacrifice flies from Cam Cabral and Gavin Gold to account for the final margin.
Husson (24-17) was limited to three hits in the contest, with freshman Preston Libby, senior Cam Rendell, and junior Henry Lausier each recording one hit apiece. Rendell also drew a walk for the Eagles.
Sophomore Avery Lawrence took the loss on the mound after allowing four runs over three innings of work. Sophomore Noah Hurd tossed two innings in relief, while seniors Allen Wheaton and Ben Phillips also appeared out of the bullpen for Husson.
The Eagles will look to stave off elimination on Saturday when they take on Whitworth University at 11 a.m.
