Knights down, Tars up in conference

The Knights dropped their second conference series in a row last weekend, as they lost two of a three game series to UAB at home.

But Game 1 was a different story for the Knights (18-12, 2-4), as they opened their second conference series of the season with another win. It was a big one, as they came out on top of a 16-7 slugfest.

That included four RBIs by third baseman Derek Luciano, who had three hits in the game. Four other Knights knocked in two runs of their own in a series of rallies that reached a high point in a 5-run fifth inning.

But bats cooled for the Knights in the next two games, as they only scored 3 runs combined in their following two losses.

In the final game of the series Sunday, the Knights scored just once, striking out nine times against the one-two punch of starter Ryan Woolley and closer Nick Graffeo.

On the Knights' side of the mound, a short start for Alex Besaw saw him giving up two earned runs after shutting down just four batters. Joe Rogers would provide the long relief for the Knights, going more than six innings while striking out four and giving up three earned runs. Brian Adkins was brought in to face just one batter, who he then beaned.

Finishing up for the Knights, Matt Manning saved his team from even more embarrassment by ending a threatening inning with two strikeouts, though he did allow two runners who were already on board with the bases loaded to score.

A long series of road trips is on deck for the Knights, at South Florida during press time then a three game series in Hattiesburg, Miss. against Southern Miss. They return home April 13 against Stetson.

Rollins Tars

The Rollins Tars swept Lynn in three to improve to 23-13 on the season. The Tars are also 7-5 in the conference.

Tim Griffin's nine-inning complete game shutout opened the series that included seven strikeouts.

The Tars return to their home field at 6 p.m. Friday to face Tampa in a two-game series. On Saturday they play Tampa again at 1 p.m.