Trinity College (Conn.) scored two runs in the top of the 12th inning and the nationally ranked No. 1 Bantams escaped an upset bid by Hamilton College with a 7-5 non-conference win at Chain of Lakes Park in Winter Haven, Fla., on March 17.
Hamilton (2-1 overall) led 4-2 through seven innings and 4-3 after eight. However, the 2008 NCAA Division III champions rallied with two runs in the top of the ninth to take a 5-4 lead.
The Continentals tied the score in the bottom of the ninth on a pinch-hit single by Andrew Perkowski '10 with two outs. The score remained tied until the 12th, when Trinity (5-0) led off the inning with a walk. A double to deep right-center field drove in the first run. The second scored on a single through a drawn-in infield.
Hamilton starter Max Foster '10 pitched admirably in the no-decision. Foster scattered four hits, walked two and struck out six in 7.2 innings. He allowed two earned runs. Foster has nine strikeouts in 8.2 innings this season.
Michael Caruso '12 was saddled with the loss in his collegiate debut. Caruso allowed two runs on four hits in three innings. He walked two and fanned three.
Wes Mayberry '11 went 3-for-4 and drove in a run to help lead the offense. Justin Atwood '11 cracked two doubles and plated another run. Alex Augustyn '10 had three hits. The Continentals finished with 13 hits.
Hamilton plays Sewanee (The University of the South) at the same site on Wednesday, March 18, at 11:30 a.m.
