Baseball Recap: Preston Comes Up Short

Preston extended their losing streak to five on Monday, dropping them down to 7-14. They lost 16-5 to the University Hawks. The home team had taken home the W every time these teams have met since May 9, 2023, but that streak is no more.

Bryson McNew was cooking despite his team's loss, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one double and one RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Lyric Moats, who went 1-for-3 with one run and one RBI.

As for University, they have been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four games. That's provided a nice bump to their 9-16 record this season. That looming 16-5 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for them yet this season.

On University's side, Joey Deiriggi tossed a big game, pitching 4.2 innings while giving up just one earned (and four unearned) runs off six hits. Deiriggi has become a key player for the Hawks: the team is 4-2 when he allows at most one earned run, but 5-14 otherwise.

On the hitting side, Max Cash and James Bryner did most of the damage at the plate: Cash went 2-for-4 with one home run, five RBI, and two runs, while Bryner went 2-for-4 with one home run and six RBI. Cash has been hot recently, having posted three or more RBI the last three times he's played. Another player making a difference was Baret Shuba, who got on base in all four of his plate appearances with one triple, one run, and one RBI.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Preston will welcome Lincoln at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The Knights' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Cougars have averaged an impressive 6.3 runs per game this season. As for University, they will be playing in front of their home fans against Robert C. Byrd at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday.