The UMass Lowell baseball team lost a close game, 12–11, against UMBC in the series finale on April 19. Redshirt-sophomore Sean O’Leary hit two-for-three with a home run, three runs batted in, and two runs scored for the River Hawks.
The result is significant as it affects the team’s standing in conference play and highlights their ongoing efforts to improve their record. Head Coach Nick Barese said, “Tough result, but the guys competed the whole way. We need to regroup and get ready for a big week ahead.”
Freshman Cal Chance had three hits including a double, while junior Rowan Masse recorded two hits with three runs scored and an RBI. Senior Zachary Scott also contributed with two hits, two RBI and one run. Freshman Josh Doney made his first collegiate start as pitcher, going four innings with one strikeout; sophomore Jake LeFrancois pitched three innings from the bullpen and struck out two batters.
UMass Lowell took an early lead after O’Leary’s single brought in two runs during a four-run second inning. The teams traded leads throughout the game: UMBC responded with home runs to pull ahead before UMass Lowell rallied again in later innings. In the eighth inning, Scott delivered a crucial single that gave UMass Lowell an 11–9 advantage after several errors by UMBC’s defense.
However, UMBC came back in their final at-bat to score twice in the bottom of the ninth inning for a walk-off win.
Looking forward, UMass Lowell will face Merrimack at Edward A. LeLacheur Park on Wednesday evening.
