by Chris Prystupa
Andres Aufant (Center Moriches) went 5.2IP in relief allowing only 5 hits and keeping the Molloy bats quiet. Here is his reflection on his outing and FPU’s win today. pic.twitter.com/QLCjPN5x01
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 21, 2022
Everything seemingly fell into place today for the #6 Franklin Pierce University Ravens as they defeated the #2 Molloy Lions by a score of 8-0. After a scoreless first inning the Ravens took advantage of back-to-back to back errors committed by the Lions to jump out to a 2-0 lead. In the bottom half of the second inning the Ravens made one of the best decisions and summoned Andres Auffant out of the bullpen and never looked back.
Auffant, a Center Moriches alum, had just about everything in his arsenal working today as he went 6 innings on the mound giving up only five hits and surrendering zero runs to a highly talented Molloy lineup.
The Ravens’ defense was certainly on fire today as they ended a multitude of threats the Lions had working. In the bottom of the second inning with the bases loaded, Auffant got Robby Keane to ground the ball to shortstop Ian Battapaglia who flipped it to Randy Flores then onto first for an inning ending 6-4-3 double play. Later in the fourth inning with runners on second and third for Molloy, Patrick Hoffman bounced into a fielder’s choice on the right side of the infield, where Matt Overton would be cut down trying to score at the plate. Finally, in the bottom of the eighth inning Molloy had the first two batters get on to start the inning. After a Garrett Scavelli strikeout, Ravens’ right fielder, Graham Smith, would rob David Franchi of an extra base hit with a fantastic diving catch in the gap silencing yet another Molloy rally.
It was a classic case of chipping away for the Franklin Pierce Ravens as their offense just found ways to add on here and there throughout the game. After the second inning, Ryan Levelle ripped an RBI single off Billy Wildeman, into left making it a 3-0 ballgame. The next run came in the top of the seventh inning with an RBI double by Charles Lebron and an RBI single off of Ryan Karp by Jose Savinon bringing the score to 5-0. Then in the top half of the ninth inning, Max Gebauer would score two runs on a single through the right side off Molloy’s pitcher Ryan Hynes making it 7-0 and the final run of the game would come on a delayed steal in which Savinon scored.
FINAL: FPU 8 Molloy:0 pic.twitter.com/vtR8aOocyz
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 21, 2022
Despite an unusually quiet game offensively, Molloy’s right fielder, Matt Overton would go 3-for-4 with two doubles. He lent a helping hand in each of Molloy’s rallies but they couldn’t find a timely hit to drive guys in.
Even though he went 6.2 IP and giving up 4 ER, Molloy’s Billy Wildeman would be tagged with the loss as Andres Auffant would earn the victory after his dominant relief appearance. Franklin Pierce survives with a win today setting up a game seven win or go home game for both teams. The final game of the D2 East Region tournament is scheduled for May 22, 2022 with first pitch to be delivered at 11 a.m.
