Elon, N.C.- The Elon Phoenix (1-5) dropped their second straight weekend series to begin the year after a 7-0 defeat Saturday to the Binghamton Bearcats (2-3).
 
Hank Krift made his first start at Latham Park in his young career and was a bright spot for the Phoenix pitching staff. Krift went five innings, allowing three earned runs on six hits while striking out three batters.
 
 
How It Happened

• Hank Krift started his day off strong with a four pitch first inning and retired the Bearcats in order to start his day.
• After loading the bases, the Bearcats could not score in the second thanks to some stellar defense by Justin Szestowicki at shortstop.
• A Will Vergantino single was the only hit in the first two innings in the bottom of the second as the Phoenix tried to make something happen offensively.
• Krift continued to roll in the third and fourth innings, sitting the Bearcats down 1-2-3 in the fourth with a pair of full count strikeouts.
• Binghamton struck first in the fifth and scored two runs on back-to-back doubles to take the lead.
• The Bearcats added three more runs in the sixth and seventh innings combined to extend their lead.
• Binghamton added two more runs in the ninth to take a 7-0 lead going into the bottom of the ninth.
• Elon would put runners in scoring position in the final three innings, but could not find a score and lost in game two, 7-0.

 
Notes and Stats

• The Phoenix drops  to 1-5 on the season following the win over Presbyterian.
• Hank Krift set new career highs in his first start at Latham Park. He paced a new high in innings pitched and pitches in the loss.
• Tommy Mitchell pitched 2.1 innings of relief in the loss.
• Justin Szestowicki was the lone Phoenix with a multi-hit game, singling twice.
• Alex Duffey singled in the loss, and paces the team with a six-game hitting streak to begin the season.

 
Up Next
The Phoenix host Binghamton for tomorrow for game three of the series. First pitch with the Bearcats will be at 12 PM.