SOUTH HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (Interstat) — Tyler Castrataro drove in four runs on three hits, including a home run, to lead Hofstra to a 7-3 victory over Monmouth in the first game of a Colonial Athletic Association doubleheader Friday at University Field.

Castrataro’s two-run homer in the sixth inning capped a decisive stretch for the Pride, who broke open a tie game with three runs in the fourth and never looked back. The second baseman finished 3 for 4 with a double and a homer, raising his batting average after a recent cold spell. He had gone 1 for 4 in each of his previous four games.

Hofstra starter Carlos Martinez threw a complete game, allowing seven hits and three earned runs while striking out 10. He worked out of several jams, including three double plays turned by the Pride defense. Monmouth grounded into three double plays overall, stunting any rally attempt.

The Hawks struck first in the third inning when Chris Walsh homered to left center for a 1-0 lead. Nick Lovarco answered with a solo shot to right field in the fourth, tying the game at 2-2 after Hofstra had scored single runs in the first and second innings. Lovarco finished 2 for 4 with a homer and an RBI.

Hofstra responded emphatically in the bottom of the fourth. Nick Biddle singled to lead off, and Castrataro doubled to right field to drive him in. DeVito singled up the middle to score Castrataro, and after a stolen base, Michael Brown singled to center to drive in DeVito, pushing the Pride ahead 5-2.

Monmouth cut the deficit to 5-3 in the sixth when Whitehill scored on a single by Bruno, but Castrataro answered in the bottom half. With Biddle on first after a single, Castrataro crushed a pitch to right center for a two-run homer, restoring the four-run margin.

Monmouth starter Ryan Mealy took the loss, allowing seven earned runs on 10 hits over five innings with two strikeouts. Kevin Opanel and Caden Carlin each threw a scoreless inning in relief for the Hawks.

Brown finished 2 for 3 with an RBI for Hofstra, and Biddle went 3 for 4. Nick Gallello added an RBI single in the first. For Monmouth, Walsh went 1 for 4 with a homer, and Bruno singled in a run.

The Pride collected 12 hits to Monmouth’s seven. Hofstra also turned two double plays, while Monmouth committed one error that allowed an extra base in the first inning but did not lead to a run.

Monmouth’s record fell to 26-20 overall, while Hofstra improved to 18-24. The teams were scheduled to play the second game of the doubleheader later Friday.

Interstat’s ELO system gave Hofstra a 51.00 percent probability to win the game entering play.