Kraft Triples in Setback to Towson, 8-7

TOWSON- Senior John Kraft hit a triple base hit in an Eagles 8-7, loss to Towson University on Tuesday, March 22^nd at Schuerholz Park. Coppin State posted six hits but forced the Tigers into four team errors.

Outfielder John Kraft began the game with his first triple of the season with a blast to center field in the first inning. Catcher John O'Dwyer led the third inning off with a single up the middle. After a pair of hits by the Eagles Towson scored the first runs of the game in the third inning taking a 2-0 lead.

The Eagles quickly responded with an RBI sacrifice fly out by infielder Colin Dower sending infielder Bryant Miranda home. Miranda led the fourth inning off with a walk and then outfielder George Dragon singled to right field for the only hit of the inning. CSU posted three hits and two runs in the next inning tying the game at 3-3.

In the fifth inning Kraft had his second hit of the game singling to right field. CSU's next batter infielder Nazier McIlwain kept the momentum going singling through the right side advancing Kraft. Coppin's power play came from Miranda on a two-RBI double to right center field clearing the bases of runners. 

The Tigers broke the tie with five combined runs in the fifth and seventh innings (8-3). CSU's attempt at a late rally fell short despite two runs in each of the final two innings.

A pair of eighth inning runs was ignited on a throwing error by the Tigers. Bryant Miranda and George Dragon both crossed home plate as outfielder Andrew O'Dwyer reached base and advanced to second on the broken play.

Two more errors in the ninth inning turned into two runs for the Eagles against the Tigers. Towson's defense allowed infielder Erik Crossman and McIlwain to score runs and cut the deficit to one.

Coppin's final attempt at a late rally came up short falling to the Tigers 8-7. Coppin State hit their second triple of the season and also posted season-highs with two sacrifice hits and 13 assists, defensively.

John Kraft finished with two hits, a walk, and one run scored against the Tigers. Bryant Miranda had two RBIs and scored two runs while Nazier McIlwain had a pair of runs scored with a team-high eight putouts. Defensively, CSU used five pitchers against Towson. Starter Devin Sutorius pitched four innings striking out three batters, walking three, and allowing four hits.

The Eagles return to action this weekend with a MEAC home series against Delaware State beginning on Friday, March 25^th at Joe Cannon Stadium.