That first victory remained elusive for the University of Hartford Wednesday as the Hawks, in their northern opener after an 0-9 trip to California, lost to Massachusetts 6-3 at Wesleyan.
The Hawks, who hit .201 in California, had six singles off two UMass pitchers, scoring all their runs in the first inning, then leaving 10 on base.
Co-captains Scott Hilt and Scott LaRock tried to motivate the Hawks. LaRock got the team together for a pep talk before the seventh inning while Hilt roamed the bench demanding more vocal participation.
Nothing worked.
“We have a lot of young guys on this team. It’s a hard transition from high school,” Hilt said. “The attitude is a little too laid back. We need to pick it up a notch, and that’s what I’m trying to do.”
Freshman Josh Formica had two of Hartford’s hits and freshman DH Brendan Turner had a two-run single in the first inning. As far as offense, that was it.
“We’re still searching for a lot of things,” Hartford coach Moe Morhardt said. “But I thought we did swing the bats better. If we could get on a roll and get on base, we’ve got a chance to run. But we haven’t had a chance to show it yet.”
UMass (2-9) scored twice in the fourth to tie it 3-3 and took the lead with a two-run fifth. No. 3 hitter Justin Howard had two doubles and a triple and scored twice, and Ryan Thistle had three singles and two RBI.
Lefthander David Dart (1-0) pitched the last six innings and got the win against freshman righthander Aaron Taylor (0-1), who relieved senior starter Brian Wood in the fourth. Freshman lefthander Chris Schroeder came on in the fifth and finished for the Hawks.
LaRock questioned whether the Hawks, who hadn’t played since March 18, were ready to play. He challenged them to show they wanted the game.
Hilt was more demonstrative, confronting players and even getting down on himself.
“We have to get over this hump and get that first win,” Hilt said. “Then I think things will start coming together. We have talent on this team. We can win.”
With Ray McKenna Field not ready, Hartford is scheduled for a four-game series with North Atlantic Conference opponent Maine Friday and Saturday at Eastern Connecticut. The Hawks hope to play three seven-inning games Friday, starting at 11 a.m., and a single game Saturday at 11 a.m. against the Black Bears (2-20).
“We need to get some games under our belt to get some kind of rhythm,” Morhardt said. “The Maine series should help us do that.”
