FORT MYERS, Fla. — New Haven Baseball (0-2) suffered a 17-5 loss to Missouri (4-2) on Saturday at Terry Park. The Chargers scored five runs, including a two-run fourth inning highlighted by
Bobby Herzman's (Cheshire, Conn./HC Wilcox) home run. Missouri capitalized with 15 hits and scored in five different innings to secure the win.
Missouri established an early lead in the second inning with a two-RBI single by Tyler Macon, bringing the score to 2-0. By the end of the second inning, Missouri maintained this lead over New Haven.
The Tigers widened the gap in the third inning, benefiting from an error and a string of hits. Isaiah Frost's two-RBI single and Jamal George's RBI walk contributed to a six-run inning, making it 8-0 in favor of Missouri after three innings.
New Haven responded in the fourth inning when Herzman hit his first career home run, a two-run shot that drove in Matthew McIntire. However, Missouri answered back in the bottom half with three more runs, leading 11-2.
The Chargers were held scoreless in the fifth inning, while Missouri added two more runs, including a sacrifice fly by Macon, extending their lead to 13-2.
In the sixth inning, New Haven managed a run when
Shaun Callahan (Newington, Conn./Newington) scored on a throwing error. Missouri's offense continued with a three-RBI double from Juliomar Campos and an RBI single by Eric Maisonet, pushing the score to 17-3.
New Haven added two late runs in the seventh inning. Michael Christian scored on a wild pitch, and
Casey Cerruto (Torrington, Conn./St. Paul Catholic) crossed the plate on Callahan's groundout. Missouri secured a 17-5 victory with these final tallies.
Vincent Fusco (Fishkill, N.Y./John Jay East Fishkill) started on the mound for New Haven, pitching 2 1/3 innings and allowing eight hits and seven runs, six earned, with three strikeouts.
Jesse Kostulious (Mineola, N.Y./Mineola) relieved for 2 innings, conceding three hits and five runs, four earned, with three walks and two strikeouts.
Blake Beattie (Glastonbury, Conn./Xavier) faced five batters without recording an out, allowing two hits and four earned runs with two walks.
Justin Eckrote (Berlin, Conn./Berlin) delivered a strong inning of relief, giving up no hits or runs and striking out one.
Herzman stood out with a home run and two RBIs. McIntire reached base twice with two walks and a hit, scoring once. Eckrote's pitching was a highlight, as he kept Missouri at bay during his inning.
Up next, the Chargers will face the University of Missouri again at noon on Sunday, Feb. 22, at Terry Park.
