UAlbany's Brian Bullard And His Four RBIs Helps Baseball Defeats Hartford, 18-13, in Regular-Season Finale

Albany, N.Y. - Second baseman Brian Bullard recorded three hits and four RBI to lead UAlbany to an 18-13 win over Hartford in the regular-season America East Conference baseball finale on Saturday afternoon at Varsity Field. Bullard led five UAlbany players with multiple hits in the game. Prior to the start of the game, the Great Danes honored their two graduating seniors, centerfielder Brendan Rowland and first baseman Pete Eichner.

The top of the lineup led the Great Danes, as the first three hitters all finished the day with three hits. Left fielder Nolan Gaige went 3-for-5 with three runs scored, while right fielder Adam Cutspec also scored three runs while driving in two more. Bullard went 3-for-6 with three runs scored in the three-hole. Designated hitter Pete DiResta and shortstop Jeff Welsh also knocked out multiple hits for UAlbany.

Hartford (11-37, AE 5-19) left fielder Matt Walker led the Hawks with two hits and four RBI to go along with four runs scored. Four other Hartford players recorded two hits, including centerfielder Rodger Wilmot, who scored a run and drove in two more. UAlbany outhit Hartford, 17-13, while taking advantage of four Hawk errors.

UAlbany drew 10 walks off four Hartford pitchers, while striking out just five times. Closer Bob Rodgers took the loss for the Hawks after allowing four earned runs in one inning of action on the mound. UAlbany's Travis Wilson earned the win for the Great Danes, scattering just three hits in three and two thirds innings of work.

After a back-and-fourth game, UAlbany took the lead for good in the bottom of the eighth inning, scoring six runs off six hits. The Great Danes started off the inning with four consecutive singles before Rogers walked two and hit a batter with the bases loaded to score three of UAlbany's six runs. Catcher Brian Gauthier drove in the final two runs of the inning with a base hit to left, scoring Ralph Rizzo and Diresta.

UAlbany (11-38, AE 10-12) is seeded fourth for the 2010 America East Conference Tournament, which will be hosted by Binghamton starting on Wednesday, May 26. Game times are to be announced.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information