From NYU Athletics

The New York University baseball team split a doubleheader with the University of Dubuque on Monday, March 13, at the Player Development Complex in Ft. Myers, FL. NYU won the first game 12-6, before dropping game two 10-9.

Through seven games, NYU (6-1) is averaging 12 runs per contest and hitting .362 as a team.

"Our bats are continuing to look good," said NYU Head Coach Doug Kimbler. "We need our pitchers to do a better job shutting teams down after we score runs though. We can't continue to walk leadoff hitters and give our opponents a free pass." 

In game one, NYU tallied 15 hits, led by a 4-for-5 game from leadoff hitter Jack Walter. The Violets broke open the game with a seven-run seventh inning, scoring all seven runs with two outs. Connor Hasley came out of the bullpen to earn his first-career victory on the mound. 

Game two saw NYU use a six-run sixth inning to come from behind and take a 9-6 lead. Dubuque eventually answered however, scoring four runs in the bottom of the ninth to win the game 10-9 and hand the Violets their first loss of the season.

"I thought we were forced to use too many pitchers today," added Kimbler. "We also need to do a better job staying up and keeping the energy flowing. I know it was hot, but I thought we took our foot off the gas as the game went on."

HIGHLIGHTS: 

- Walter followed up his four-hit game one, with a 2-for-4, three-RBI game two.

"Jack is doing a great job getting on base out of the leadoff spot," explained Kimbler.

- Jonathan Iaione was 3-for-4 in each game with a combined five RBI. The junior shortstop is hitting .615 (16-for-26) through seven games. He also has a team-high 18 RBI.

- Adrian Spitz hit a two-run home run in game two. It was the first NYU homer of the season. 

- Ryan Mclaughlin was hit by a pitch three times in game two. Last year's NCAA Division III leader in HBP already has been hit nine times this season.