The Husson Eagles got RBI hits from six different players on Sunday afternoon in their home opener to defeat in state rival Bates College 9-7 at the Winkin Complex in non-conference action. It was also the earliest home opener in program history.
After the game was even at 1-1 after three innings, Bates scored three times in the top of the 4th to take a 4-1 lead, highlighted by a two run single from John Dinucci.
Husson would score a run in the bottom of the fourth to make it 4-2 then tied the score on RBI hits from JT Whitten and Ryan Rebar in the bottom of the fifth to make it 4-4.
After Bates took the lead back in the top of the sixth at 5-4, Husson struck back with three runs in the bottom half to take a 7-5 lead that they would never relinquish as the Eagles won their third game of the season, now 3-5. Bates is now 5-7.
Rebar had three hits to lead Husson while Christian Corneil, Zach Sugar, Mike Wong and Whitten all had two hits a piece. Robert Graff started on the hill for the Eagles allowing five earned runs on four hits while walking six and striking out five in 5.2 innings pitched. Ben Walls (1-1) picked up the win in relief going 1.1 inning allowing an unearned run on two hits. Ben Holmes pitched the ninth inning for his first save of the year allowing a run on two walks.
Husson will return to action next Saturday as they host Norwich for a doubleheader at the Winkin Complex. Game one is scheduled for 1 pm and Game two at 3:30 p.m.
