by Andy Smith
It’s the start of a new season ! And with the mild winter, it seems like it flew right by onto baseball season. The Division-Is opened up last night and Molloy will open up today. Without further ado, here’s how it went down…
Division-I:
St. John’s was the lone local team to get a W as they came out of the gate hot with an impressive 7-6 win in extra innings at Old Dominion. Paul Orbon‘s game-winning RBI single was the difference, as the Johnnies were able to erase a 4-run deficit. David Glancy picked up right where he left off last year, crushing a HR. Chuck Sanzio pitched two innings and earned the winning relief. Sony Fauci started and went four innings, allowing 4 runs (2 ER) and did not factor in the decision. He walked five and struck out 2. Kevin Michaels paced the offense with 3 hits, Austin Machado and Jackson Tucker each had 2 apiece. Orbon’s hit came as a pinch-hitter for his brother, Luke, who started in RF. They will be back in action today at 2pm in Norfolk, VA.
Stony Brook began their season on the west coast and had a bit of a rough opening day. California State Northridge won by a score of 20-5. Designated hitter Shane Paradine totaled two hits on the day and opened the scoring for the Seawolves in the first inning with an RBI single. In addition, first baseman Brett Paulsen registered two hits and scored once. However, the Seawolves could not keep up with the Matadors offense, who totaled twenty hits and three home runs against Stony Brook pitchers. This three game series will continue Saturday, and first pitch will be at 5:00 P.M. EST.
Long Island University opened their season in South Carolina against Winthrop University coming off their winningest season in program history. The Sharks were in a competitive game, but ultimately lost due to a strong 7th inning in which Winthrop tallied three runs. Despite the loss, LIU received a quality start from Alec Huertas in which he struck out three batters and a perfect 3 for 3 day at the plate from left fielder Carlton Harper. In addition, Dominic Pieto started his season strong out of the pen, and retired four batters, two via the strikeout. The Sharks look to bounce back tomorrow at 2:00 P.M. in the second game of a three game set.
Hofstra, coming off their best season in program history as well, came out of the gates slow as they were shutout 13-0 by Florida Gulf Coast. The Pride were held to just four hits with no player recording more than one. The Pride returned their entire starting lineup from last season, led by Brian Morrell who led the team in virtually all offensive categories. Mark Faello started and was tagged with the loss (4 IP, 4 ER). Ryan Rue was tagged for 6 ER in 1.1 innings out of the pen. Freshman Jake DesLauriers made his collegiate debut, allowing 2 ER in 0.2 IP. They will be back at it in a DH today at 11am.
Fordham was shut out, 8-0, by Dallas Baptist in their season opener. The Rams were held to three hits on the day, with no player notching multi-hit days. Gabe Karslo got the opening day nod, going 4 innings, allowing just 1 ER with three strikeouts. Dallas Baptist did most of their damage in the sixth inning where they put up a 6-spot. The Rams will look to get a W today against the same team beginning at 3pm.
