Coming off a series win in its opening NESCAC tilt with Bates, the baseball team sought to continue its strong play while hosting Brandeis (8−13) on Tuesday afternoon at Huskins Field. Tufts improved to 12−3 on the year (2−1 NESCAC) with a 3−1 victory that lasted just two hours and 34 minutes.
Offensive power was scarce in Tuesday's contest, as the teams combined for nine hits, and Tufts junior Ian Goldberg was the lone player to finish with more than one. After the Jumbos scored three runs in the bottom of the first inning, the pitchers went on cruise control.
"Early in the game, Brandeis kind of struggled with their command and couldn't work in their breaking stuff, which helped me get off to a good start," Goldberg said. "Later on, they started mixing in their off−speed pitches, and we didn't really see the ball as well. I'm sure we'll figure that out soon."
Senior righty Tom Hill was credited with the victory for pitching a scoreless first and moving to 3−0 on the season. Freshman Dylan Britton took the loss for the visiting Judges, falling to 0−2.
Britton could not find his control early on, hitting Tufts' leadoff man — junior tri−captain Dave LeResche — to start the game and surrendering four walks in his four innings pitched. The Jumbos took advantage of his erratic performance with RBI singles by sophomore third baseman Sam Sager and junior outfielder Ben Walkley, as well as a run−scoring groundout by junior outfielder Chase Rose.
Meanwhile, Tufts' parade of eight relievers tamed Brandeis' attack, holding the Judges scoreless until the final inning. Brandeis threatened briefly in the fourth after drawing a pair of walks from junior Jack Dilday, but sophomore Kevin Gilchrist coaxed a double play ball to keep the Judges off the board.
"I thought the whole pitching staff did a really good job of just going out there and pounding the strike zone," Hill said. "In midweek games like that, we each only have three outs to work through, so it's really important to just get into a groove early, throw strikes and get the job done quickly."
Sophomore Chris DeGoti was credited with his fourth save of the season, despite allowing Brandeis' lone run in the top of the ninth. A one−out infield single by senior second baseman John O'Brion eventually cost DeGoti when he uncorked a wild pitch with runners at the corners and two away in the inning. But DeGoti slammed the door by inducing a comebacker to the mound from senior pinch−hitter Zach Wooley, who represented the tying run.
The victory was encouraging for the Jumbos, as they enjoyed solid pitching and stout defense, but their offense has cooled considerably after getting off to a terrific start. Tufts' team batting average has dropped to .317 on the season, and its lofty .408 on−base percentage is inflated by 23 hit batsmen.
"As pitchers, we're really confident that we have a good defense behind us and that the guys are going to make plays for us," Hill said. "We also know that we have a strong lineup, which makes it easier for us to just focus on what we have to do, even when we're not scoring a lot of runs."
The Jumbos will need to find their stroke at the plate again with NESCAC rival Colby (9−5 overall, 0−3 NESCAC), coming to Huskins Field this weekend for a three−game series beginning Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. followed by a Saturday doubleheader set to begin at 12 p.m.
Tufts swept the Mules in Waterville, Maine last April to earn a berth in the conference tournament, and Colby will undoubtedly be looking for revenge. The Mules are currently riding a six−game winning streak and are batting .353 as a team this season.
"We're all really excited for this weekend because it's nice to not have to travel three hours before a series," Goldberg said. "We're looking forward to playing in front of our own fans, and I'm sure we'll come out strong."
