A six-run second inning keyed Miami (3-3) to eight unanswered runs en route to an 8-1 victory over Marist (3-3) in the 'Hawks final game of the Hughes Bros. Challenge Sunday afternoon in Wilmington, North Carolina. First baseman Kyle Weldon had three hits and drove in four RBIs while Tyler Melling (2-0) allowed one run on seven hits, striking out six and walking none in six innings of work.
The Red Foxes struck first, taking a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning, as a one-out double was eventually driven in on a groundout. But the RedHawks responded with a vengeance in the bottom half of the frame. With two outs already in the inning, center fielder Ryan Brenner drew a walk to load the bases. A wild pitch allowed the first run to score, and then second baseman Jon Edgington walked to reload the bases. Left fielder Bryce Redeker was then hit by a pitch to drive in the second run. That's when Weldon stepped to the plate and emptied the bases with a double to right field. Catcher Adam Weisenburger walked and designated hitter Kevin Bower singled to right to reload the bases once more, and then right fielder Bryan Beaver drew the sixth walk of the inning to force in the sixth run. Shortstop Ryan Kaup grounded into a fielder's choice to finally end the inning.
The 'Hawks picked up two more runs to put the game out of reach. Weisenburger led off the fourth inning with a double and came home on a single by Beaver. Then in the fifth, Brenner led off with a single, then stole second and third before being driven in by a single off Weldon's bat. Seth Varner, Brandon Adkins and Charlie Suich each pitched an inning of relief and shut down the Red Foxes, surrendering no hits, two walks and striking out three, though they did hit three batters.
Miami's early season road trip continues next weekend when the 'Hawks head to Winter Haven, Florida for the Russ Matt Invitational. They will face Mount St. Mary's, Lehigh, Yale, Michigan State, Xavier, Air Force and Illinois State in the eight-day tournament.
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