Courtesy: Beverly SchaeferLinks: Box Score | Updated Stats
GREENSBORO, N.C. (3/15/10) - Matt Bowman pitched seven no-hit innings of relief and then delivered the game-winning single in the top of the 12th inning to help the Princeton baseball team to its first win of the 2010 season, an 8-7 triumph at UNC Greensboro.
Bowman shined in the game, entering the contest in the sixth inning with his team trailing 7-6. Bowman pitched the next seven innings, not allowing a hit while striking out five batters. The closest UNCG came to cracking him came in the bottom of the ninth with the score tied at seven. Bowman walked the first two batters, but got a double play and struck out Lloyd Enzor to force extra innings. Offensively Bowman had three hits in the game, and driving in the game-winning run with a single to center field in the top of the 12th inning.
Princeton fell behind from the get-go, trailing 6-0 after one inning as the Spartans plated all but two of their runs in their first at-bat. The Spartans put their first three batters on and consecutive doubles from Ed Jayjack and Lloyd Enzor put four runs on the scoreboard before the Tigers could record an out.
The Tigers answered immediately, putting five runs on the board in the top of the second inning. Sam Mulroy led off the inning with a single and scored on a Jon Broscious home run, his second of the season. Princeton added runs in the inning as Alex Flink and Tom Boggiano both scored on fielder's choices.
The teams settled in from there and only four runs were scored over the ensuing 10 innings. The Spartans plated a run in the fifth when Drew Gehringer stole home and Princeton answered back in the sixth when Andrew Whitener's singled plated Nate Baird, who had singled and stole second. Baird also had three hits in the win and stole two important bases. Princeton then evened the game in the top of the ninth when Whitener led off with a double, went to second on a groundout and scored on Brandon Englert's sac fly.
The score remained even at 7-7 until the 12th when Baird hit a one-out single and again stole second base. A groundout sent him to third and he scored when Bowman hit his third single of the game. Bowman then set down the Spartans in order in the bottom of the 12th to secure his first collegiate win.
Langford Stuber started the game for Princeton and surrendered seven runs, four earned, in five innings of work. Colby Hyatt took the loss. He pitched four innings of relief and allowed a single run.
Princeton earned its first win and is now 1-6 overall. The Tigers continue their Spring Break trip on Tuesday and Wednesday at 24th-ranked North Carolina.
