HARWICH, Massachusetts — Shyler Scates pitched a six-hit shutout on Wednesday afternoon, leading the top-seeded University of Southern Maine to a 4-0 victory over Suffolk in the opening round of the NCAA Division III New England Regional at Whitehouse Field.
The junior right-hander (6-1) struck out six and did not walk a batter as the Huskies of Gorham (32-13) moved into Friday’s 4:30 p.m. winners’ bracket contest against No. 4 Salem State.
Brandon Martins paced the USM offense with a double, two singles and an RBI, while Jake Welch hit two singles. Nick DiBiase drove in two runs, one on a sacrifice fly.
J.C. Collette had two hits for Suffolk (18-25) and Adam Johnson doubled. Lefty Josh Desai (5-5) took the loss, allowing eight hits and four runs (three earned) with five strikeouts, four walks and four hit batsmen in eight innings.
The Huskies scored the only runs they would need in the second inning. Welch and Martins opened with singles, then Nick Bowie bunted and reached on an error to load the bases.
DiBiase pushed a run across on a fielder’s choice, then a one-out throwing error made it 2-0.
USM extended the advantage in the third. Warren and Dylan Morris were each hit by a pitch and Welch loaded the bases with a single. Martins delivered an RBI single, then DiBiase posted a one-out sacrifice fly.
Football
Sooners RB Ford to transfer
Suspended running back Keith Ford is leaving Oklahoma.
The school confirmed Wednesday that Ford is seeking a transfer. He was suspended indefinitely in March for violations of academic and team rules.
Last season, Ford was leading the team in rushing and was one of its top receivers until he suffered a broken right leg against Tennessee in the Sooners’ third game that sidelined him for five games.
Ford finished the season with 392 yards and five touchdowns rushing and 146 yards and one touchdown receiving.
After Ford was injured, Samaje Perine became Oklahoma’s top back and rushed for 1,713 yards and 21 touchdowns while earning All-American honors.
Despite Ford’s departure, the Sooners are still stocked at running back behind Perine with Alex Ross and newcomers Joe Mixon and Rodney Anderson.