In a tightly contested matchup at the Hub City Invitational, Boston College Baseball fell to Northwestern, 5-4, in Spartanburg, S.C. The Eagles, now 3-2 on the season, put up a valiant fight but ultimately came up short against the Wildcats, who improved to 4-2.
Boston College's pitching staff showcased their depth, with Sean Hard making his second start of the season. Hard pitched 1.2 innings before handing the ball over to a trio of relievers: John Kwiatkowski, Kyle Kipp, and Gavin Soares. Together, they combined for an impressive 14 strikeouts, with Kipp setting a personal best by fanning seven batters.
The Eagles wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. Julio Solier ignited the offense with a lead-off triple, setting the stage for Nick Wang, who smashed his second homer of the season, giving Boston College an early 2-0 advantage.
However, Northwestern quickly countered in the bottom of the second, leveling the score at two apiece with a pair of extra-base hits.
In the top of the third, Boston College reclaimed the lead. Owen DeShazo's sacrifice fly brought Jack Toomey home, nudging the Eagles ahead 3-2.
The game remained tight until the sixth inning. After a quiet fifth, the Eagles appeared poised to extend their lead.
Ty Mainolfi and Wang drew walks, putting runners on first and second. Although Toomey grounded into a double play, Kyle Wolff delivered a clutch double to right field, scoring Wang and pushing the lead to 4-2.
But the Wildcats weren't done. In the bottom of the sixth, they surged ahead for the first time, scoring three runs courtesy of a home run and a two-run triple, making it 5-4.
Despite their efforts, the Eagles couldn't muster the tying run. Solier and Gunnar Johnson reached base, but the Northwestern defense held firm, sealing the victory.
Looking ahead, Boston College will face a doubleheader challenge tomorrow in Spartanburg, taking on Cornell at 10:00 a.m. followed by another clash with Northwestern at 2:00 p.m. at Fifth Third Park. The Eagles will be eager to bounce back and even the score.