COLUMBIA, Md. – Jordan Hamberg had three hits and a pair of RBIs in game one and added a three-run homer in the nightcap to lead Coppin State's baseball team to a split of a doubleheader against Maryland Eastern Shore on Saturday afternoon at Blandair Park. The Eagles took the opening game, 12-11, but fell in game two, 7-6, and remain tied with the Hawks for first place in the MEAC at 6-5.
A sophomore from South Plainfield, N.J., Hamberg went 3-for-4 with four runs, finishing a home run shy of the cycle in game one. Hamberg slugged his team-leading third home run of the season in the sixth inning in game two, bringing Coppin to within 7-5 in the sixth inning.
Maryland Eastern shore got on the board first in the opener with a run in the opening inning, but the Eagles put two runs across in their half of the inning on RBIs from Hamberg and
Mike Dorcean. Hamberg drove in another run in the second as his double was sandwiched by two-run singles from
Josh Hankins and
Corey Miley to make it a 7-1 score.
After the Hawks plated a pair of runs in the third, Coppin came right back with two if its own on knocks from
Sebastien Sarabia and Miley, who drove in four runs and walked twice in game one. In the fourth inning, Hankins stole third and scampered home as the throw to third was wild, giving Coppin a commanding 10-3 lead.
The Shore scored five-straight runs to pull within, 10-8 in the sixth, before Sarabia and Miley drew bases-loaded walks, extending the advantage to four runs.
Justin Johnson was called out of the bullpen to finish the game for the Eagles, but the Hawks did not make it easy. In his 1.2 innings, Johnson allowed three runs, all of which were unearned as The Shore got to within a single run before a flyout ended the game.
Wellington Balsley, Hankins and
Mario Cuevas all scored a pair of runs for CSU as the Eagles drew 12 walks. Sarabia was walked three times while Balsley and Dorcean drew a pair of walks.
Tim Ruffino was credited with the win, allowing just three runs in 5.0 innings of work.
In game two, Coppin spotted the Hawks seven runs over the first four innings as
Rashad Ruff gave up five earned runs.
John Neeld shut the door on The Shore as he threw the final 3.0 innings without allowing a base hit and fanning four.
All six of Coppin's runs came in the sixth, starting with a leadoff home run by
Landen Argabright. Following
Toran Smith's single, Cuevas drew a walk and an error later scored Smith to make it a 7-2 game. Hankins then drew a walk before Hamberg's three-run shot. Sarabia made it back-to-back home runs with a blast to right center to pull Coppin within 7-6, but the next two Eagles were retired.
Coppin put the tying run on base in the seventh as
Brian Nicolas was hit by a pitch with one out, but he was left stranded.
The Eagles will look to even the series against the Hawks as they will face off on Sunday, April 3 at 10 am from Blandair Park.
