University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
Richmond
UMass Falls To Richmond, 3-1
May 05, 2007 | Baseball
May 5, 2007
AMHERST, Mass. - Despite putting up zeroes on Richmond's side of the scoreboard for eight out of nine innings, and some spectacular defense, Massachusetts (18-19, 10-10 A-10) dropped a 3-1 decision to Richmond (27-20, 15-5) on Saturday afternoon at Earl Lorden Field. A three run home run by Joe Mahoney in the third inning was the only blemish for UMass starter Jared Freni (Malden, Mass.; 2-4) in his 5 2/3 innings of work. Mike Dicato (Winthrop, Mass.) pitched 3 1/3 frames of shutout relief for the Minutemen. Matt Zielinski (5-3) went the distance to pick up the win for the Spiders. Ryan Franczek (Chicopee, Mass.) tripled and scored a run for UMass.
UMass out-hit Richmond 6-5, all six coming from the top five batters in the Minutemen order. Designated hitter Jim Cassidy (Medway, Mass.) had two hits, including a double.
The UMass pitchers benefited from some good defense behind them. In particular, Bill Rankin (Willington, Conn.) made two spectacular diving grabs in center field. Third baseman Ryan Franczek (Chicopee, Mass.) also made a great diving stop on a ball hit hard to the hole to his left, recovering in time to throw out the batter at first.
Freni cruised through the first two innings but ran into trouble in the third. After allowing a walk and a single, Mahoney, the A-10's home run leader with 14, drove a 1-1 pitch over the rightfield fence to account for Richmond's three runs.
The Minutemen scraped out their lone run in bottom of the fifth. After Ryan Franczek led off with a triple to right-center, Catcher Bryan Garrity (Peabody, Mass.) grounded to the shortstop, which allowed Franczek to cross the plate.
Coach Mike Stone lifted Freni from the game in the sixth inning with men on first and third. Facing a jam, DiCato escaped the inning without throwing a pitch as he picked off the man at third base.
UMass put together a potential rally in the bottom of the sixth when they loaded the bases with one out. After Ryan Franczek fouled out to first base, Garrity hit a deep foul that was caught by the Richmond right fielder to end the threat.
The Minutemen and Spiders close out their series on Sunday, first pitch is at noon. Gametracker and live audio will be available at UMassathletics.com.
