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| Photo Credit: Vinny Messana |
It was a huge double header against the reigning ECC Champion St. Thomas Aquinas, and Dowling responded to the challenge by sweeping the twinbill by the scores of 10-7 and 10-2.
The first game was a 3:25 slog that featured 337 total pitches but Dowling persevered. Brendan Butler got the start and went six innings, allowing three ER while striking out two. Dennis Buckstein, Jon Parisi and Andrew Sesto combined for three strong innings of relief allowing just one ER.
The Golden Lions were down to their last three outs but mounted an incredible rally–scoring five runs. Dan Parisi scored RJ Going with an RBI single to get them within two runs. Tyler Piccolo hit a game-tying two-run double down the left field line to score Tim Going and Michael Richter. Tyler Hardison hit a two-run single to score Piccolo and Jon Cruz. RJ going provided insurance with an infield RBI single.
Sesto shut it down in the ninth to record his second save of the season.
In the second game, David Montiverdi went the full seven innings, scattering eight hits, allowing two ER while striking out three for his third win against zero losses. He needed just 71 pitches.
The offense jumped on the Spartans early and often, as they built up a 10-0 lead through seven innings. RJ Going went 4-for-5 with two runs and two RBI. Richter went 3-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored. Cruz had two hits and drove in two and Piccolo added two RBI as well.
With the victory, the two teams are tied atop the ECC conference at 12-6. They will have Saturday off before finishing their four-game series on Sunday with another DH at home.
