WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – Sophomores Mitchell Aker and Joseph Gaouette combined to throw a four-hit shutout, as the William and Mary baseball team defeated Hofstra 7-0 on Sunday afternoon at Plumeri Park. With the win, the Tribe takes the Colonial Athletic Association series two games to one. W&M improves to 27-15 and 11-3 in CAA play, while Hofstra falls to 17-17, 5-7 in league action.
Offensively, sophomore Ryan Hissey led the Tribe, going 3-for-4 with a double, two runs scored and an RBI. Senior Derek Lowe added a hit and three RBIs.
For the 20th time this season, William and Mary scored a run in the opening frame. With one out, junior Nick Thompson singled to center field, moving to second on a walk to classmate Michael Katz. The next batter, Hissey roped a double down the right field line, scoring Thompson. Sophomore Charley Gould followed with a sacrifice fly to center field, that brought in Katz. The final run of the inning was brought in by a single from senior Kevin Casey, giving the Green and Gold a 3-0 lead.
The Tribe erupted for four runs in the home half of the fourth inning. Hissey led off the frame with a single, moving to second a walk to Gould. A Hofstra error, allowed Casey to reach, loading the bases. After two outs, Lowe belted a double to right center, clearing the bases. Senior Kevin Nutter followed with a single to left field, plating Lowe and giving the Tribe a 7-0 advantage.
Aker tossed seven innings, allowing just four hits, and facing three more than the minimum. He struck out three batters, while just allowing one runner to reach third in his fourth victory of the season. Gaouette finished the game retiring the last six batters in order. Nick Kozlowski was charged for the loss for Hofstra.
The shutout was the third of the season for the Tribe pitching staff. W&M also blanked Virginia Tech (7-0) and Iona (2-0). Aker has pitched in two of the three Tribe shutouts, while Gaouette has been apart of all three.
With the series win, the Tribe has won eight straight weekend series, including all five in CAA play. For the year, the College has won nine of its 10 weekend series.
W&M, which will be in final exams this coming week, has the mid-week off. The Green and Gold will return to action on Friday, May 2 when they welcome defending CAA Champion Towson to Plumeri Park. The series opens on Friday, May 2 at 7 p.m.
