Five home runs from Fairfield launched the Stags to a 17-11 victory over Hofstra baseball Tuesday afternoon at University Field. Hofstra fell to 8-22 and Fairfield improved to 13-14. “[It] wasn’t the greatest baseball [game] if you like pitching. But, if you like offense, then today was a fun game to watch,” said Hofstra head coach John Russo.
Fairfield first baseman Mitch Williams accounted for three of the five home runs in the game, which gave him eight runs batted in. Williams entered the game with one home run and seven RBI for the season.
In the first inning, the Stags jumped out to a 5-0 lead after a three-run home run from Williams and a two-RBI base hit from catcher Kevin Radziewicz. All five runs were given up by starter Brad Witkowski, who pitched just the opening frame.
Hofstraroared back in the home half of the inning with four runs to make it a one-run ballgame. Steven Foster led off with a two-strike single and later scored on a Vito Friscia line drive through the left side of the infield.
Mikey Riesner followed suit with a RBI single of his own, picking up his first of two runs batted in for the day. Teddy Cillis and Tom Archer each brought runners home on ground ball outs to make it 5-4 through one full inning.
Hofstra then tied it up in the second inning, but the Stags plated eight unanswered runs to make it 13-5. Williams hit a two-run shot and then another three-run home run over this span.
“He had a career day. We got to do a better job of being into the game and knowing the other team’s lineup,” Coach Russo said.
Dan Hopkins also flexed his muscles with a solo home run off Zach Altieri, who made his first appearance this season. Altieri went two full innings with four runs allowed (three earned) and one strikeout.
Then, in the bottom of the sixth, the Pride put together another big inning. Foster continued his hot hitting, sending home two Hofstra baserunners with a single through the right side of the infield. Foster finished the day with four hits and one RBI.
Friscia walked in a run and Riesner grounded a runner in and reached on a fielder’s choice, making it 13-9 Fairfield. Friscia went 2-for-3 with three runs batted in and is now 14-for-28 (.500) with 11 RBI at home this season. He has now reached base safely in 14 consecutive games.
In the eighth, Hofstra crept a little closer to Fairfield with two more runs. But, in the final inning, Stags second baseman Mac Crispino smashed a heart-crushing grand slam off Chris Weiss to extend Fairfield’s lead to 17-11 - the eventual final score. Crispino compiled three hits total in the game.
Hofstra and Fairfield combined for 32 hits (19 for Fairfield, 13 for Hofstra).
Receiving the loss for the Pride was James Beasley, who threw the second and third innings. He surrendered two runs over that span.
Of the six Hofstra pitchers who took the mound in Tuesday’s matchup, Seamus Brazill was the only one to not allow a Stag to cross home plate.
“Four out of his last five outings have been really good. Seamus is learning and growing. There’s still brighter days for Seamus ahead,” Coach Russo said.
For Fairfield, Ryan O’Connor picked up his first victory of the season. Coming out of the bullpen, O’Connor threw three innings and gave up three runs.
Hofstra returns to CAA play this weekend in a three-game set against Delaware beginning Friday at 3 p.m.