March 18, 2014

Box Score

FT. MYERS, FL - Hopkins used a six-run fourth inning and solid day at the mound to open up its lead on Lasell Tuesday morning in a 10-5 victory. Senior RHP Garrick Prokos struck out three and allowed only one earned run in six innings of work to earn his first win of the season for JHU. Sophomore Mitch Weaver and freshman Brian Lin both brought in their first career RBIs, while sophomore JR Charles notched his first three-hit game as a Blue Jay in the win. Hopkins moves to 8-2 on the year, while Lasell drops to 3-5 this season with the loss.

Up 4-3 heading into the bottom of the fourth inning, the Jays got busy extending the lead with their first six batters all reaching base. After two walks and a single loaded the bases, Weaver drew a third walk from Lasell pitcher Vinny Romano to give Hopkins a 5-3 lead. Lin took advantage of the bases loaded opportunity in his ensuing at bat, driving a ball to left center to score Charles and junior Craig Hoelzer to put the Jays up 7-3.

Things got hectic during junior Christopher Casey's trip to the plate in the inning, as Romano appeared to have Weaver picked off at second. But, the pitcher's throw was off the mark and Weaver made his way to third on the error. After recovering the ball, Lasell then caught Lin in a run down between first and second, as Weaver began making his way home. The Lasers' first baseman tried to catch Weaver retreating back to third, but skied the throw allowing the Lemoyne, PA native to score easily. Casey and senior Jon Hettleman both added RBIs before Lasell could get out of the inning and Hopkins could go up 10-3.

The Lasers were able to get a few back in the top of the eighth, as four hits and an error allowed two to cross the plate. Relievers Sam Einhorn and Michael Grewe limited any improbable comebacks from Lasell, as the duo combined for four strikeouts in their first appearances in Ft. Myers.

Hopkins did not waste any time getting started in the game's opening inning at Terry Park, using two hits and an error to score three runs. Lasell answered with one run in the second and two in the third, but could not sustain its offense down the stretch.

The Blue Jays will return to action at the Player Development Complex in Ft. Myers at 10:00 am tomorrow against UMass-Boston.

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