Traveling to Nevada was not a fun adventure for the Buffalo baseball team this past weekend. The Bulls lost the first two games against the Nevada Wolfpack while the third game was cancelled due to snow.
Going into the match-up this weekend, the Wolfpack (6-9) had already played 13 games compared to only one for the Bulls (1-2). This playing experience played a major factor in the final outcomes of the results.
In game one, Buffalo got out to an early 3-0 lead by the third inning. Freshman right fielder Adam Skonieczki led off the inning with a double and then advanced to third on a single by junior second baseman Mike Folli. Junior first baseman Nick Walczak brought in the first run on a single, and a sacrifice fly by sophomore third baseman Jacob Rosenbeck got the second run in. Buffalo scored its third run off a balk from the Nevada pitcher.
This was all the offense that the Bulls were able to put together and the Wolfpack surged out to a 13-3 victory. Senior Mike Radanovic picked up the loss on the mound for the Bulls, throwing four innings while allowing seven hits and five earned runs.
Walczak was the offensive star of the game, delivering three hits on four at bats. He also brought in one run, scored a run, and drew a walk.
The second game took place on Saturday, and Nevada jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first, never relinquishing their lead en route to a 6-2 victory.
Buffalo began to make a comeback attempt in the top of the second when sophomore left fielder James Piazza drove in sophomore center fielder Eric Flynn on an outfield single. In the fourth inning, sophomore designated hitter Charlie Karstdet scored on a groundout by Skonieczki to get the Bulls to within 3-2. However, the Wolfpack extended their lead with three more runs in the sixth and seventh innings.
Buffalo starting pitcher junior Chris Ciesla took the loss. He went 5 2/3 innings, and gave up eight hits that led to five earned runs. He also struck out three batters in the game.
The Bulls will continue to travel as they begin a four-game series with Marshall on March 2-4. The first pitch on Friday is scheduled for 1 p.m.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
