WILLIAMSBURG,
Virginia - Tyler Molinaro, Hunter Ridge and Jake Koenig all homered as UNCW
topped host William & Mary, 4-1, on Thursday in the Colonial Athletic
Association series opener at Plumeri Park.
The Seahawks ran their record to 20-5 in the CAA and 30-19
overall. The Tribe, losers of their last three, dropped to 28-21overall and
11-14.
UNCW starter Tyler McSwain (8-3) allowed 11 hits, but just
one run, over 6 1/3 innings for the win. He became UNCW's all-time wins leader
in CAA play with 16 and set the program record with his eighth win in
conference play this season.
The Seahawks opened with a bang in the first inning as Ridge
belted a two-run homer with two out in the frame off losing pitcher Brett
Koehler (6-2).
Molinaro's league-leading 12th homer of the season gave UNCW
a 3-0 lead in the third.
The Tribe broke through in the fifth with a RBI single by
Ryan Lindemuth to make it 3-1.
Koening, however, answered that run in the top of the sixth
two a solo shot to left, his second of the season.
UNCW closer Ricky Holden a struck out four in 2 2/3 innings
for his fourth save.
Ridge and Thomas Pope both finished with two hits on the
night.
Kevin Nutter held game-high honors with three hits at the
top of the Tribe lineup. Lindemuth and Stephen Arcure both had two hits as
W&M outhit the Seahawks, 12-9.
The Tribe stranded 12 runners on base.
The series continues on Friday with a 7 p.m. start.