HILO, Hawaii – Academy of Art (7-13, 3-4 PacWest) came from behind to tie the contest at four runs apiece, but trailing by two runs in the ninth, ART U could not pull through, stranding the tying run at first.
 
For the second time in the series, the Urban Knights posted a strong offensive first inning. The Knights sent six batters to the plate and managed to score two runs thanks to a bases-loaded single by junior outfielder Izac Bauer and a groundout from junior infielder Taylor Martin.
 
Now, with a two-run lead, junior right-hander Chris Petrosie headed to the mound for his fifth start of the season. However, three errors and two hits allowed the Vulcans (3-4, 3-2 PacWest) to plate four runs to take a 4-2 lead.  
 
The Urban Knights recovered three innings later when they put together a two-run fourth inning. In the frame, ART U managed to load the bases with no outs, but a lineout to the shortstop from junior infielder Michael Maleski preceded a peculiar play put into action by a groundball from senior infielder Erick Luna. The ball was hit to the shortstop who got a putout at second. However, in an attempt to complete a double play, Hilo's second baseman overthrew the first baseman which allowed two runners to score, tying the game at four runs apiece.
 
After a relatively quiet fifth inning on both sides, UH Hilo went back to work in the bottom of the sixth and took advantage of a walk and hit batsman. The Vulcans scored both runners on a base hit and a sacrifice fly to regain the lead for good.
 
However, Academy of Art threatened in the ninth inning and managed to put the tying run on the base path. Then, junior Jackson Murphy, who is tied for the team lead in home runs, was sent to the plate for a pinch-hit appearance. Murphy worked the count, but ultimately struck out swinging to end the game.
 
Despite receiving the loss, Petrosie put together a strong outing in Sunday's contest. The Miami native tossed 6.0 innings and allowed six runs (only two earned), while surrendering five hits and striking out/walking two. Junior catcher Marciano Reichel had a big day at the plate, going 3-for-5 with a double. It was Reichel's first three-hit performance as an Urban Knight and his fourth multi-hit game this season. The Fremont, Calif. native is now on a five-game hitting streak and is batting .555 (5-for-9) with a double and a run batted in in his two starts this series.
 
ART U will look to split the set with Hilo when they return to Wong Stadium on Monday for game four at 6:00 p.m. HT.