STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The West Virginia Black Bears wrapped up a six-game road trip with a 6-3 loss to the Staten Island Yankees on July 17.
The Black Bears struggled during the trip, going 1-5 away from Monongalia County Ballpark, including a three-game sweep at the hands of the Yankees.
The Black Bears managed just five runs in their current five-game losing streak.
West Virginia did get on the board first Monday, in the fourth inning. With center fielder Travis Swaggerty on third base, first baseman Luke Mangieri hit a ball in the infield that created a Staten Island fielding error, bringing Swaggerty home for a 1-0 advantage.
The Black Bears also got an impressive outing from starting pitcher Aaron Shortridge. The righty went five innings, giving up one run on three hits and striking out nine batters.
Shortridge’s only earned run came in the fourth, on a single that made the score 1-1.
Nicholas Economos also pitched well coming out of the West Virginia bullpen, putting up two scoreless frames with three strikeouts while giving up one hit.
But in the bottom of the eighth inning, the Yankees poured in five runs — all charged to Conner Loeprich — on five hits to take a 6-1 lead going into the ninth inning, including a solo home run by Andres Chapparo.
The Black Bears fought back. With runners on first and second, right fielder Brett Kinneman hit a double that made the score 6-3. The West Virginia comeback effort came up short on a pop fly to end the game.
Swaggerty wound up 2-for-3 with two runs scored. The Black Bears managed just five hits and a walk in the game.
Jesus Bastidas and Ricardo Ferreira drove in two runs each for Staten Island, Yankees starter Roansy Contreras pitched seven innings, allowing three hits and no earned runs. Drew Finley finished and earned the win.
The Black Bears return home tonight for a three-game series with the State College Spikes. The Black Bears will transform into the West Virginia Moonshiners for the game. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.
