Hampton, Va. – The Harford Fighting Owls opened their 2019 season by overcoming an early five-run deficit for a come-from-behind 7-5 victory over the Bryant and Stratton (Va.) Bobcats.
The Fighting Owls fell behind quickly after surrendering five runs in the first two innings, but erased the Bobcats lead by scoring three in the third and two more in the fifth to tie the game at 5-5. An inning later and Harford took their first lead of the day thanks to
Edward Camp, who'd reach home on error by the pitcher and a passed ball.
Lou Testa's RBI-double to centerfield gave the Fighting Owls a two-run lead, which they managed to hold onto after reliever
Billy Kral struck out Bobcat outfielder Ryan Mihlebach with the bases loaded.
Harford moves to 1-0 on the year. Bryant and Stratton drop to 2-7.
The Fighting Owls were led by assistant coach
RJ Heinlen, who stepped in after head coach Tom Eller announced he was stepping down to become the hitting coach for the Aberdeen Ironbirds, a minor league affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. Eller had been at the forefront of the baseball program for the last 12 seasons.
In his first appearance since the 2017 season,
Mike Taylor picked up the victory in relief of starter
Marty Neal (2 IP, 2 ER). The Redshirt-Sophomore went 4 2/3 innings, giving up just four hits while striking out three.
Spencer Smith led the way for Harford at the dish, going 3-for-4 with a home run and a double.
Lou Testa and
Reyce Curnane tallied two hits each, with Testa also driving in a pair of runs.
Game Notes
- Matthew Shilling and University of Kentucky transfer Spencer Harbet combined for Harford's other two RBI on the day.
- Jackson Sanchez was stuck with the loss for the Bobcats, while starter Shane Davis earned a no decision after being relieved in the fifth.
- Spencer Smith and Spencer Harbet recorded their first steals of the season.
- The two teams combined to leave 21 runners on base.
