by Vinny Messana
It’s no secret that Ron Bauer will be one of the lynch pin players for the Molloy Lions this season. If he pitches like this every time, they’ll be just fine.
Ron Bauer delivers a pitch against Merrimack on March 5 (Photo Credit: Nakeem Grant)
The junior flirted with a no-hitter, despite six walks, and was three outs away after coaxing a bases-loaded DP to end the eighth inning. The Lions came away with the 4-0 victory to improve to 5-3 on the young season.
“I was just trying to challenge them, get them to put the ball in play and let my defense work because we have a very good infield and I gave them a chance to make a great play and help us get the win,” Bauer told our reporter Nakeem Grant after the game.
The leadoff batter grounded one in the hole between SS and 3b but the play wasn’t able to be converted into an out. Nevertheless, Bauer retired the next three batter for a 1-hit shutout with six strikeouts.
When did the hurler begin thinking about the no-hitter?
Anthony Alberghina lining his RBI double (Photo Credit: Nakeem Grant)
“In the middle of the game,” he said. “The defense was playing great. I was throwing strikes and it was just a great team performance. Everyone played their role, they played good defense and it all worked out,” he added.
He was backed by an offense that got going early. Anthony Alberghina continued his hot hitting, by lining an RBI double and Kevin Podell also drove in a run with an RBI single.
That was more than enough against Merrimack, who came in with a 5-1 record and a team average of .322—including five starters over .300.
“I know they’re a very good team. I think they’re ranked in the region, but if you keep batters off balance, you’ll succeed. That’s my main goal when I pitch to anyone. It doesn’t matter who it is, I will try to keep them off balance,” he added.
He now has thrown 21 innings on the season and allowed only one ER.
The two teams will play the second game of the DH directly after and will finish the series tomorrow.
