Courtesy: Beverly SchaeferBOX SCORE l WEEKEND PREVIEW (with starting pitchers and live stats links)
Princeton scored twice in the top of the first inning, but the Tigers would be shut out the rest of the way Friday in an 8-2 loss at Navy to open a four-game series at Max Bishop Stadium in Annapolis, Md.
Princeton scored both of its first-inning runs despite having seeing its first two hitters get out. Senior Steve Harrington walked on a full count, and Mike Ford singled through the right side. An RBI single by designated hitter Will Davis scored Harrington, and a double to left field by Johnny Mishu scored Ford for the 2-0 lead.
Starter Michael Fagan allowed only one run in the first two innings, but he ran into trouble in the third. The first four Navy batters each got base hits, including back-to-back doubles, and after a strikeout, Navy followed up with consecutive walks. Reliever Luke Strieber limited the damage by getting the final two hitters, but Navy grabbed a 4-2 lead at the end of the inning.
Navy added one run apiece in the fifth and sixth innings, then added two insurance runs in the eighth, to close out their ninth victory of the season.
Princeton, which ended the game with seven hits, will return to Max Bishop Stadium for a Saturday doubleheader starting at noon. Zak Hermans and Mike Ford are both scheduled to start for the Tigers.
