SEATTLE — Seattle U baseball (5-7)dropped a heartbreaker on Friday, falling to Washington, 4-3, in 11 innings. The Redhawks, who slipped to 5-7, left 12 runners and were edged out, 8-6, in hits.
Trailing 3-1 in the eighth, Connor O'Brien registered a lead-off double. After Julian Kodama drew a walk to put Redhawk runners at first and second, Justin Mazzone reached on Huskies throwing error as they tried to turn the double play. Kodama was on the play, but the errant throw allowed O'Brien hustle in for the score, trimming the deficit to one.
Then with one out the Redhawks loaded the bases as Austin Lively was intentional walked after Matt Boissoneault doubled to left advancing Trevor Antonson to third. Trevor Antonson entered the game as pinch-runner for Mazzone. Drake Maningo then sent a hard hit ball to deep left-center for a sac fly, tying the game at 3-3, as Antonson easily crossed home.
After the Washington hitters were retired in order in the home half, the Redhawks threatened in the ninth as O'Brien and Kodama again were on base with one out. The offense however stalled with back-to-back outs being recorded.
With the Huskies held at bay in the ninth, the game extended into the evening as it remained tied, 3-3. Lively drew a walk in the 10th, before advancing into scoring position on a Maningo sac bunt. The Redhawks were unable to strike however and the bats continued to be off-balance.
Washington eventually escaped with the win in the 11th by loading the bases with a hit by pitch bringing in the deciding run.
Seattle U and Washington traded runs in the first, before UW scored once more in the third and seventh.
On the mound, Seattle U starter Alex Jemal worked efficiently throwing 80 pitches in seven innings in the no-decision appearance. After surrendering a lead-off home run in the first, the senior right-hander quickly found his groove and retired the next eight straight batters, including a 10-pitch three strikeout jaunt in the second.
He eventually made way for reliever Peter Chronowski who tossed the next 3 1/3 innings, before the Redhawks turned to Lucas Ford in the 11th.
At the plate, Kodama led the way as he accounted for three for SU's six hits, while O'Brien, Mazzone and Boissoneault made up the difference. Lively finished the night with three walks.
The Redhawks return to action tomorrow with the series finale, first pitch from Husky Ballpark is slated for 2 pm.