Sacred Heart University’s baseball team took an early lead with a two-run home run but fell to Merrimack after a pivotal sixth inning, according to an April 18 report from the university.
The game matters for both teams as they compete in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, with Sacred Heart now holding a record of 12-22 (9-8 MAAC) and Merrimack at 15-21 (9-9 MAAC).
Pitcher Jake Friel started strong for Sacred Heart, striking out the first two batters. In the third inning, Kyle Cincinnati singled to right field before JW Fitzgerald hit a two-run home run that put Sacred Heart ahead. Merrimack responded in the fourth with one run, but pitcher Mitch Hawkins ended that threat with a strikeout and continued pitching into the fifth.
The momentum shifted in the sixth inning when Merrimack scored six runs. Despite this setback, Sacred Heart kept competing and Jase Schueller finished on the mound in the ninth with two strikeouts. Other top performers included Ronan Donohue with two stolen bases and Gavin Donohue who hit a double.
Looking ahead, Sacred Heart will play Yale at Veterans Park on Wednesday, April 22, starting at 3 p.m.
