ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Haverford stormed back from an early 6-0 hole, but a three-run bottom of the eighth inning proved decisive as host Muhlenberg held on for a 10-9 win in Tuesday afternoon Centennial Conference action at Bicentennial Park.
Muhlenberg (7-16, 2-5 CC) wasted little time jumping in front, sending 11 batters to the plate in the bottom of the first inning. The Mules strung together five hits, drew three walks, and capitalized on a Haverford error to build a 6-0 advantage before the Fords could settle in. Despite the early deficit, Haverford (8-15, 2-5 CC) avoided letting the game spiral, working its way back into contention over the middle innings after what could be described as a steadying effort.
Haverford broke through in the third inning as Mauro DeCillis singled and came around to score, cutting into the deficit and providing a spark for the offense. While Muhlenberg added a single run in the fourth to extend its lead to 7-1, the momentum began to shift in the fifth inning.
The Fords put together their most complete offensive frame of the afternoon in the fifth, capitalizing on timely hitting and defensive miscues. DeCillis was hit by a pitch to start the inning and quickly moved into scoring position with a steal, advancing to third on an error before Sam Dorian lifted a sacrifice fly to bring home the first run of the inning. Jackson Sgro and Miles Prusek followed by reaching base via walk, setting the stage for Luke Treese, who dropped down a bunt single to load the bases.
An error on the infield allowed another run to score, and Ryan Field delivered an RBI single to right to bring Haverford within three, chasing Muhlenberg starter Frank Kern from the contest. Will Schroen continued the pressure with a bunt single that plated another run, and Sammy Angel drew a bases-loaded walk to cap the five-run outburst, trimming the deficit to 7-6. Miles Flack took over on the mound and provided a critical stretch for the Fords, tossing three scoreless innings while allowing just one hit. His effort kept Muhlenberg off the board and allowed Haverford to complete the comeback in the sixth inning.
In that frame, Sgro worked a leadoff walk and Prusek followed with a single before both advanced on a passed ball. Treese delivered again, lining a two-run single to left field to give Haverford its first lead of the game at 8-7. Two batters later, Schroen ripped a double to left, scoring Treese and extending the advantage to 9-7.
Holding a two-run lead entering the late innings, Haverford appeared poised to complete the comeback. However, Muhlenberg responded in the bottom of the eighth. A pair of walks and a single loaded the bases before a sacrifice fly brought the Mules within one. Another sacrifice fly tied the game, and a two-out RBI single from Sean Habeeb gave Muhlenberg a 10-9 lead.
The visitors mounted one final push in the ninth as DeCillis reached on a bunt single and advanced into scoring position on a steal, but Muhlenberg closer Charlie Siper recorded the final out to seal the win.
Treese led the Haverford offense with three hits and four RBIs, while Schroen added three hits and two RBIs in another strong performance for the rookie infielder. DeCillis and Prusek each scored twice as part of a 12-hit effort for the Fords, who showed resilience throughout but were ultimately undone by the early deficit and late rally from the hosts.
Haverford now heads out into a non-conference road contest on Wednesday, April 8 at 3:30 p.m. against Eastern before hopping right back into CC play, completing the home-and-home series against the Mules on Friday at Kannerstein Field (3:30 p.m.)
