Final score for game 2: Molloy 3-LIU Post 1 in 7 innings.
WP: Timothy Panetta-CG, 6K, 1RStay tuned for the recap by Brennan Erlandsen. pic.twitter.com/VkG2fTWLSr
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 28, 2018
The Molloy Lions sweep the LIU Post Pioneers in a Senior Day doubleheader on Saturday. Pioneers took game one, 3-2, and game two by the score of 3-1. Senior Kevin Hiss turned in another solid performance tossing 8.1 innings giving up two runs and striking out two in game one.
“It’s all about getting quality starts at this time of year against tough competition,” said Molloy head coach Joe Fucarino. ”
“I felt great out there. They were a really aggressive team, so it was important for me to go out there and locate pitches,” said Hiss.
It’s only fitting that some Molloy seniors would shine on their day.
Game one had Molloy on the board first with senior Elijah Leerdam scoring on a 6-4-3 double play in the second inning. The Lions added to their lead with a RBI single by senior Angelo Navetta scoring classmate Jack McCarty to make it 2-0 in favor of Molloy.
“[Navetta] is not going to be replaced. He’s just a gamer and he comes up in big spots and he cashes in,” said coach Fucarino.
No teams would score until Molloy got it going again in the fifth. Navetta delivered his second RBI of the game scoring sophomore James Messina to make it 3-0 in favor of the Lions.
Hiss cruised along not allowing more than one baserunner an inning through the seventh. The Pioneers finally got to Hiss loading the bases in the eighth inning. LIU Post senior Joe Spitaleri drove in junior Michael Greene on a RBI groundout. Hiss was able to get out with only one run given up.
The Pioneers threatened again in the ninth. Hiss would exit after 8.1 innings when LIU Post junior DH Michael Manzione led off with a double and junior Anthony Vaglica walked. Molloy senior closer Sean Klotsche came on for the save. LIU Post’s Greene doubled home Manzione to make it 3-2. Klotsche shut the door after that recording his 15th save, the most in school history.
“[Klotsche] deserves it. He’s been a huge part of this team for a long time,” said Hiss.
Game two had the Pioneers scoring first with Joe Spitaleri coming around on an error while stealing third base.
Molloy answered back in the second. With two runners on, Molloy sophomore Sean Hogan hit a RBI single to tie it at 1-1. The next hitter, freshman Jake McCarty hit a long RBI single to left field to take the 2-1 lead.
In the third, Molloy added an insurance run with senior Elijah Leerdam driving in Jack McCarty on a RBI double to make it 3-1.
LIU Post had little answers in game two totaling just one walk and five hits, none for extra bases. Molloy starter Timothy Panetta threw a seven-inning complete game striking out six to complete the double header sweep.
“We just got to keep going, keep pitching the way we’re pitching, and keep getting runs. And, just playing great as a team with great energy,” said Hiss.
“Everyday is a different day in this game. We just got to come out and think about one game, and one inning at a time,” said coach Fucarino.
The two teams finish the series Sunday at LIU Post at 1 p.m.
