Brandt, Becker Lead Davidson Past UMass, 9-8

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DAVIDSON, N.C. – Forrest Brandt reached base five times, going 4-for-4 with five RBIs, and Davidson fended off a late rally to complete a two-game series sweep of Massachusetts, 9-8, in non-conference baseball action Sunday at Wilson Field. Davidson is currently playing North Carolina A&T to complete a doubleheader.

As they did the previous night against UMass (1-8), cleanup-hitter Brandt and five-hole batter Becker led the Davidson (6-6) offense, accounting for all eight RBIs. Brandt's four hits included his first home run of the season and two doubles. His lone single came in the sixth inning with the bases loaded and was mishandled in right field, allowing all three runs to score. Becker went 2-for-5 with his fifth home run of the season and three RBIs.

RHP Nick Neitzel (2-0) allowed just two hits and two walks with three strikeouts in six innings of work, but the Minutemen nearly erased a seven-run deficit in the top of the ninth inning. RHP Michael Goldberg and RHP Matt Saeta (3) earned the final two outs though to stop the rally, with third baseman David Daniels (2-for-5, 2 2B, 3 R) making a diving stop to prevent an extra base hit that would have allowed the tying run to score.

The Wildcats took command in the first inning as Daniels doubled and, later with two outs, Brandt doubled to drive him home. Brandt then walked to leadoff the fourth inning, and Becker followed with a home run for a 3-0 advantage. Brandt hit a solo home run the next inning, and then his single and the ensuing fielding error in the sixth inning added three more runs for a 7-0 lead.

Leftfielder Paul Yanakopulos (2-for-5, 4 RBIs) drove in two runs for UMass in the seventh inning on a single to left, but Brandt and Becker restored Davidson's seven-run advantage in the eighth inning with RBIs.

The Wildcats had to use five pitchers in the top of the ninth inning though to secure the win. RHP Clark Beeker, who had pitched the previous two innings, struck out the first batter of the ninth, but allowed the next two batters to reach. The 'Cats' next two pitchers were unable to record an out as Yanakopulous drove in two more runs with a single, catcher John Jennings (1-for-1) drove in one with a double, first baseman Dylan Begin (1-for-4) drove in two with a single and third baseman Nik Campero drove in one with a double, bringing the Minutemen within one.

Goldberg slowed the rally by inducing a ground out from the lone batter he faced, and then Saeta came on for the final out. He allowed one hit that did not do any damage, as Daniels kept it in the infield at third with a diving play, and then induced a pop up to seal the victory.

RHP Aaron Plunkett (0-2) took the loss for UMass, allowing four runs on three hits and three walks with seven strikeouts in five innings.

The series was the first-ever meeting between UMass and Davidson on the diamond, but the two schools will meet frequently in future years as Davidson will join the Minutemen in the Atlantic 10 Conference next season.

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