By Alex Hyman, Staff Writer
The Pride committed five errors and found itself down 9-0 heading into the bottom of the seventh inning against the Rider Broncs, when Hofstra found a rally in its home opener.
"I thought we were aggressive offensively and we were aggressive on the mound" said Hofstra head coach Patrick Anderson said of the last three innings.
After Broncs' starting pitcher freshman Kyle Kennett breezed through the first six innings, giving up just three hits, the Pride's offense keyed an unlikely comeback. With two outs in the seventh, the Pride strung together four straight hits, including a two run triple from freshman pitcher Bryan Verbitsky.
"He's a great player," said Anderson. "We're excited for him."
In the bottom of the eighth, also with two outs, five consecutive batters reached base, with Verbitsky knocking in two more runs and fellow freshman outfielder Kenny Jackson plating two of his own with a double.
The Pride had fought back from 9-0 to make it 9-7 heading into the 9th inning and had the top of the lineup due up for its last licks.
Things started off nicely when a pitch hit junior outfielder Danny Poma.
After a fly out to leftfield for the first out of the inning, back-to-back errors by Rider third baseman Adam Wayman left the door open for the Pride.
Senior outfielder Scott A'Hara moved both runners into scoring position with a groundout to first, which was followed by a walk to junior third baseman Joe Perez.
With the bases loaded and two outs, Verbitsky whiffed at a 0-2 fastball ending the Pride's comeback hopes, falling just one run short, 9-8.
"[I] Commend our kids for battling, that's part of persevering," said Anderson
Six pitchers finished out the game after freshman Everett Keller for the Pride with Verbitsky and senior Jeff Guthridge throwing scoreless frames.
Junior first baseman T.J. Thomas led the Pride with four hits along with Verbitsky and Jackson collecting four and three RBI's respectively.
For the Broncs, Kennett pitched seven innings, giving up eight hits and three runs.
Shortstop John Ralston and second baseman A.J. Albee each had homeruns, with first baseman Mason Heyne leading the team with two RBI's.
The Pride's record falls to 1-11 with three of the past four losses coming by just one run.