By Nakeem Grant
Longtime rivals in the East Coast Conference, Molloy and the University of Bridgeport faced each other for the first time this season. Molloy dominated in Game 1, 13-1, but Bridgeport’s offense led them to a win in Game 2, 8-3. Here’s a breakdown of both games.
It was another scintillating start for Molloy’s right hander, Ron Bauer. He pitched seven innings, allowing only two hits and getting large number of groundouts on just 82 pitches. Bauer lowered his conference-leading ERA to 0.57 after today’s win.
Molloy’s offense did the rest in Game 1. Anthony Alberghina, Michael Rahn, and Deilyn Guzman all had multi-hit games and drove in multiple runs for Molloy. Angelo Navetta hit his first home run of the season, a solo shot in left-center in the bottom of the 5th. Navetta’s batting average jumped to .398 which leads the ECC. Guzman swiped two bases and he now leads the conference with 17 steals.
In Game 2, Bridgeport’s offense came alive against Molloy’s bullpen. They scored seven of their eight runs on the bullpen as most of their damage was done late in the ballgame. Catcher, Tyler Theiss accomplished a rare feat in baseball. He hit two RBI triples, going two for five with three RBIs. Centerfielder, Ben Torres also had a big game for Bridgeport. He had two hits, one of them being a two-run single in the bottom of the 8th to extend their lead. Alnaydo Rodriguez, the ECC leader in RBIs (23), went one for four with one stolen base.
Bridgeport’s starter, Rob Anderson kept Molloy’s offense in-check. He pitched five and a third innings, allowing one earned run and striking out five batters with two walks. Anderson outlasted Molloy’s pitcher, Bobby Kelly who pitched six innings and gave up one unearned run. Kelly’s record remains at 5-0 as he earned a no-decision.
Bridgeport and Molloy are second and third in the ECC standings respectively. This will be the only time that they play against each other this season, but these teams could possibly square off again if they both qualify for the ECC tournament.
