CHICAGO, Ill. – The University of Chicago baseball team pounded out 20 hits, but fell behind early and couldn't close the gap in a 16-9 loss to Hope College on Tuesday.

The Maroons dropped to 3-10 while the Flying Dutchmen won their seventh-straight game to improve to 11-7.

Hope scored three runs in the top of the first inning, and UChicago quickly matched with three runs in the bottom of the frame. Senior outfielder Brett Huff knocked a two-run single down the left field line and freshman first baseman Thomas Prescott brought him home with a single to center field.

In the second inning, the Flying Dutchmen took the lead for good with four runs on three hits. Hope eventually scored at least one run in seven of the nine innings. Constant winds proved to be a factor in the game and UChicago struggled defensively to the tune of six errors.

The two teams were on a roll offensively, combining for 39 total hits (20 by UChicago, 19 by Hope). The last time the Maroons had 20 hits in a game came on Mar. 26, 2013 versus Concordia (Wis.) University. Junior third baseman Kyle Engel kept up his hot streak by going 4-for-5 with two doubles, one triple and one RBI. Huff and Prescott were both 3-for-5 with two RBI each, and four other Maroons tallied two hits.

Senior infielder Dylan Massey collected an RBI groundout in the fourth inning, Engel scored on a wild pitch in the fifth and Prescott added an RBI single in the fifth as well to cut the deficit to 10-6. Senior outfielder Ricky Troncelliti singled to left field to drive in a run in the seventh inning. Engel smoked an RBI double to left in the eighth inning and Troncelliti added an RBI sacrifice fly immediately afterwards to account for UChicago's final runs.

Senior pitcher Alex Terry (1-2) started the game and went 4-2/3 innings. His pitching line included 11 hits, 10 runs (seven earned) and three walks. Sophomore Mark Landgrebe struck out three in his 2-1/3 innings, with one hit, one walk and two unearned runs. Junior Kyle Nitiss finished off the final two innings with seven hits, four runs, one walk and one strikeout.

NEXT GAME:

• Wednesday, Apr. 2 – Benedictine University at UChicago, 3 PM