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Broncos Beat Bulls in Series Finale, 8-3

Eric Flynn

KALAMAZOO , MI – Reigning Mid-American Conference West Division Pitcher of the Week Ethan Hollingsworth didn't have the same kind of dominating performance he did last weekend for Western Michigan, but his offense picked up runs in five innings to lead the team to an 8-3 win over the University at Buffalo baseball team on Sunday afternoon at Hyames Field.

Freshman Eric Flynn (Niagara Falls, NY/Niagara Falls) had a breakthrough day for the Bulls, going 2-for-2 with a double, a stolen base and two runs for the Bulls, raising his average 28 points on the afternoon.

After Western Michigan (19-13 overall, 7-5 MAC) got on the board with a single tally in the bottom of the first inning, Buffalo (7-24 overall, 2-10 MAC) responded in the third inning, when Flynn drew a two-out walk, stole second and scored on a single from sophomore Mike Folli (Endicott, NY/Union-Endicott).

The Broncos got back on the scoreboard in the bottom of the fourth, though, taking the lead with three runs capped by RBI doubles from Brent Gerlach and Zach Gentile. The Broncos built the lead to 8-1 as they scored single tallies in the fifth and sixth and two in the seventh.

Brad Agustin

The Bulls mounted a rally in the eighth inning, as Flynn led off with a double. After a groundout, freshman Brad Agustin (Williamsville, NY/Williamsville East) scored Flynn with a single to center field. Senior Carl Aquila (Alden, NY/St. Mary's/Erie CC) followed with another hit up the middle, moving Agustin to third, where he scored on a sacrifice fly from senior James Kingsley (Medina, NY/Medina).

Nathan Marquardt became the first Bronco to get three hits in the series, as he went a game-high 3-for-4 with a run and two RBIs. Travis May and Brent Gerlach also had two hits for the Broncos, who outhit Buffalo, 9-6.

Hollingsworth (6-1) earned the win, going 7 1/3 innings, allowing six hits, two walks and three runs. He struck out just four after k'ing 12 against Akron last week.

Senior Sean McWilliams (Canandaigua, NY/Canandaigua) (3-4) drew the loss for the Bulls, tossing six innings and allowing eight hits, three walks and five earned runs. He struck out four.

Steve Geltz

Freshman Dan Francis (Clarence, NY/Clarence) pitched one frame in relief, allowing one hit, two walks and two unearned runs and freshman Steve Geltz (Ransomville, NY/Wilson) tossed a perfect eighth.

The Bulls next travel to Big 4 rival St. Bonaventure for a Wednesday doubleheader at McGraw-Jennings Field, with first pitch set for 2:00 pm.