Starting pitcher Dylan Britton '13 came to the mound in the bottom of the eighth inning, looking for two crucial outs to keep the game tied 1-1. Instead, Endicott College shortstop E. J. Martinez delivered a sacrifice fly to hand the Gulls the lead - and the 2-1 victory.

The demoralizing loss capped another difficult week for the Judges, who lost three of their last four games to drop to 7-29 on the season. The Judges' pitching staff was tagged for 29 runs in losses to Amherst College and Keene State College earlier in the week.

"It is tough because our games have not worked out," said relief pitcher Alex Tynan '12. "We have delivered some great performances. It's a matter of how the games unfold each day - we are definitely improving though."

The team's fortunes finally seemed to take a turn for the better at the outset of last Saturday's game against Endicott. Starting pitcher Brian Ing '14 was flawless through the first four innings, allowing just one hit. However, the Gulls were the first team to bring a runner to home plate. First baseman Colin Sitarz ripped an RBI single to right field to drive in center fielder Tad Gold to break the scoring open. However, it would take the Judges until the seventh inning to strike back. Shortstop Brian Allen '15 delivered a sacrifice fly to tie the game.

Ing continued the string of solid pitching performances for the team, scattering just one run and five hits over seven innings. After Britton allowed the fateful sacrifice fly, the Judges could not issue the equalizer in the ninth inning, ultimately snapping their winning streak.

"Even though this season was rough, we have come together as a team," said Tynan. "We just need to focus more, and I think we have the potential to end the season on a high note."

Last Thursday, Brandeis notched its first victory since April 9 in a win over Roger Williams University. In the bottom of the fifth inning, amid a scoreless duel, the Judges finally cracked through against starting pitcher Bryan Motta.

After an infield single and hit by pitch, Allen struck a ball that popped right out of Motta's glove, allowing second baseman Tom McCarthy '15 to scramble home for the first run. Right fielder Zach Bardwell '15 capitalized on an error from the opposing second baseman, giving right fielder Zach Malis '12 the opportunity to notch the second run of the inning.

While Roger Williams would finally earn a run against Michael Swerdloff '13, it would prove to be a futile effort. Swerdloff was masterful, issuing eight strikeouts in his second complete game.

While the Judges' pitching stifled Roger Williams' offense, it failed to hold down an explosive Keene State lineup. Tynan only lasted one-third of an inning, surrendering seven runs. It would be a hole that Brandeis couldn't overcome. Encouragingly enough, the Judges did come through with 13 hits. Third baseman Sean O'Hare '12 launched two hits, including a home run to right field in the fifth inning.

In a marquee matchup last Tuesday versus Amherst College, the Judges came out swinging. After Brenner allowed two quick first-inning runs, O'Hare erased the deficit with a two-run homer to right field. He did it again just 10 minutes later to put the Judges ahead. After catcher Kenny Destremps '12 delivered an RBI double in the fourth inning, Brandeis cruised to a 5-2 lead. Then the onslaught began.

Brenner almost made it to the seventh inning unscathed, recording a quick two outs. However, the next seven Lord Jeffs players reached base, allowing for five runs to cross the plate. The lead was gone and Amherst never looked back, leading to another defeat for the Judges.

Tynan stated that he was impressed with the team's persistence and knows the Judges will continue to persevere this season.

"We will come ready to play and enjoy the game," he said. "That is all I can ask for."

The Judges will try to rebound against Bowdoin College tomorrow afternoon at home at 4:00 p.m.

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