SWARTHMORE, Pa. – The Haverford College baseball team dropped a 12-10 decision to the Swarthmore College Garnet Wednesday at Clothier Field.
The Fords got the scoring started early with a two spot in the first inning. Freshman Matt Goss led off with a single, followed by a base hit from sophomore Ben Verducci and walk to senior Casey Fox. Swarthmore starting pitcher Henry Cappel got two straight strikeouts before sophomore Jared Deveau laced a two-run single to left.
After the Garnet scored one in the bottom of the first inning, the Fords tacked on two more runs to jump in front 4-1 in the second. Junior George Hatamiya led off with a walk and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by sophomore Thomas Vollaro. Senior Mike Tentilucci followed with a walk and then stole second. Goss came up next and gave the Fords their third run of the game on a RBI groundout. Verducci's infield single tallied the fourth Haverford run.
Swarthmore added a single run in the second, but Tentilucci responded with his first career home run in the next half inning. The Fords' Hood Trophy rival countered with six runs in the bottom of the third frame. The Garnet had their first three runners reach base before Matt Palmer doubled to center field, clearing the bases. Cal Barnett-Mayotte ripped a single that scored Palmer a batter later. An RBI double and wild pitch wrapped up the scoring in the inning.
The visitors recorded a single run in the fifth inning, but Swarthmore scored twice in its half of the frame. The Garnet had two more cross home plate in the seventh inning to take a 12-6 advantage.
Haverford put together one more rally in the ninth inning. Verducci and Goss led off with walks before Fox ripped one over the fence for a three-run home run. The Fords then loaded the bases with two outs. A fielder's choice got Haverford within two at 12-10, but it couldn't push across any more runs.
Tentilucci, Verducci and Hatamiya each had two hits in the game. It's the first time that Haverford hit at least two home runs in a contest since March 20, 2014 in a 18-12 win over Gwynedd Mercy. The Fords stole five bases with Goss swiping two and Verducci, Hatamiya and Tentilucci stealing one.
Swartmore had six players with at least two hits, led by Barnett-Mayotte and Gregory Cox's three knocks. Cappel struck out five Haverford hitters to pick up the win. Nathan Booth nabbed his sixth save of the season.
Head coach Dave Beccaria's squad falls to 5-10 on the year and 1-2 in the Centennial Conference while Swarthmore improves to 13-4 overall and 1-2 in conference play. These two teams will square off tomorrow at Kannerstein Field with first pitch scheduled for 3:30 p.m.