HOCKESSIN, Del. - - The Wilmington University baseball team blew a late lead to start a key Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference South Division series with in-state rival Goldey-Beacom, falling 10-9 in 10 innings, on Tuesday afternoon at Doyle Field.
The Wildcats (23-17, 12-8 CACC) held a 9-3 lead going into the bottom of the eighth but the Lightning (28-16, 12-8 CACC) fought back with three runs in the eighth and three runs in the ninth to tie the game before walking off with a victory in the bottom of the 10th inning.
The Wildcats got on the board with three runs in the top of the second, taking the lead with a first and third play as Erik Grady raced home. Three batters later, Tyler Pirrung singled to short bringing in a run and then an error on the same play allowed another run to come home for the 3-0 lead.
Sean Glatts knocked in two runs with an infield single in the top of the third and then Kory Pritchard hit a sacrifice fly in the top of the fourth inning to give the Wildcats a 6-0 lead.
The Lightning cut the deficit in half in the bottom of the sixth inning, hitting an opposite field three-run homer to right field. The Wildcats answered right back in the top of the seventh though, loading the bases without recording an out. Glatts hit a sacrifice fly to start the scoring and then an errant throw from the pitcher sailed high on a bunt by Nick Classie, allowing two more runs to come home for the 9-3 lead.
Matt Warrington went the first 7.0 innings for the Wildcats, striking out nine batters while allowing three runs on five hits and three walks.
Goldey-Beacom got the Wildcat bullpen in the eighth, coming up with a two-out, two-run single to make it a three-run eighth and get within 9-6.
After getting the first out of the ninth, The Wildcats gave up a single, a walk, a two-run double, and a game-tying single. The Lightning left runners on first and third to end the inning and send the game into extra innings.
Chase Fleming hit a two-out single in the top of the second and Shawn Edevane stole second, but he was left in scoring position as the inning ended.
Garrett Quinn got the first two Lightning batters out via a strikeout in the bottom of the 10th, but then the Lightning came up with a single and two walks to load the bases. The game-winning run scampered home on a wild pitch, ending the game, 10-9.
Sean Glatts went 3-for-4 with three RBI while Brandon Grygo finished 3-for-5 with a run scored. Tyler Pirrung, Chase Fleming, and Nick Classie all collected two hits in the loss.
The Wildcats step outside the CACC for the final time this season on Wednesday, as they make up a game with Kutztown at Wilson Field. The first pitch is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
