AUBURNDALE, Fla. – Albion College collected nine hits Tuesday afternoon, one hit fewer than its opponent, but the pitching staff issued 15 walks and the defense committed six errors in a 13-3 loss to Thomas More College.
Michael Fischbach powered the Britons to an early lead when he clubbed his seventh career homerun in the first inning. Kyle Kowal, who reached on a fielder's choice immediately ahead of Fischbach, scored on the play.
Thomas More answered immediately as Brad Popham walked, Ben Kenning singled and Zach Fardo walked to load the bases with no out in the second inning. Nate Brubaker, who started the game on the mound for Albion, was able to retire the next two batters, but Bobby Abbatiello walked to drive in a run and Ben Laumann cleared the bases with a double.
Working with a 5-2 lead, Saints pitcher Brandon Eliadis logged seven innings. He allowed three runs on seven hits and a walk.
Kowal was Albion's leader at the plate, collecting three hits. Jordan Fujarski picked up Albion's RBI in the fourth inning.
Albion's varsity has a day off Wednesday. The Britons have a 1:30 Thursday doubleheader against Stockton at the Chain of Lakes Park in Winter Haven.