AMBLER, PA (4/2/08) – Two costly Temple errors led to 10 unearned runs for Rider to give the Broncs a 14-8 victory on a windy Wednesday afternoon at Skip Wilson Field. The Owls out-hit the visitors, 15-13, but dropped their second straight game. Freshman Ben Flanary (Marlton, NJ / Cherokee) had three hits, including a pair of doubles, and knocked in two runs for TU.
Rider (12-11) put an eight-spot on the board in the second, but only one of the runs were unearned as a dropped fly-ball extended the inning. RU’s Mason Heyne had two hits in the inning, including a three-run home run to right to make it 8-0.
Temple (13-11) tried to climb out of the early hole and even outscored Rider, 8-6, from that point on, but the deficit proved to be too much. The Owls did stand 14 runners on base, leaving the bases loaded in the third and seventh innings.
Three unearned runs scored in the seventh on a two-out error to make it 14-4, Rider.
A pair of freshman did have banner days for the Cherry and White. Flanary made the most of his second start of the season, collecting a career-high three hits. His second double was deep to center and may have left the park if the wind had not been blowing in.
Classmate Steve Nikorak (Stroudsburg, PA / East Stroudsburg) began the game as the designated hitter, going 2-for-4 with a double. He also pitched 3.2 innings of relief without surrendering an earned run in his first collegiate appearance.
Juniors Steve Mury (Tuckerton, NJ / Pinelands) and Jamie Abercrombie (Ambler, PA / Hatboro-Horsham) each had two hits for Temple.
Sophomore Mike Click (Media, PA / Penncrest) suffered the loss to fall to 1-1. He allowed 11 runs (four earned) in 3.1 innings. Freshman Ben White (Parkesburg, PA / Coatesville) and senior Arshwin Asjes (Willemstad, Curacao / Cheverus-ME) each threw an inning of scoreless relief.
Matt McCollum had three hits and four RBI to lead Rider. Dan Sasso (2-1) earned the win after tossing five innings and allowing four earned runs.
The road doesn’t get any easier for the Owls, who host #18 Charlotte in a three-game Atlantic 10 series beginning on Friday. First pitch is set for 3 PM. Junior Matt Mongiardini (Toms River, NJ / Toms River East) will get the start on Friday against the 49ers.
