Tim Meehan had three hits and two RBI in a 4-2 loss to DeSales. |
HOBOKEN, N.J. (April 12, 2006) – DeSales University capitalized on four errors by the Stevens Institute of Technology baseball team to score three unearned runs en route to a 4-2 victory over the 25th-ranked Ducks on Wednesday evening at Dobbelaar Baseball Field in Hoboken, N.J. Stevens, which left 14 runners on base in the game, fell to 20-6 on the year with its second straight loss.
In the top of the first inning, freshman second baseman Matt Connors (Sewell, N.J.) drew a leadoff walk and then advanced to third on a two-base throwing error on a failed pickoff attempt by junior pitcher/outfielder Eric McCormick (Edison, N.J.). Connors later scored on a groundout by freshman outfielder Mike Bianca (Ellicott City, Md.).
DeSales (13-10) scored a pair of unearned runs in the second thanks to two errors by the Ducks. After being hit by a pitch, junior pitcher/designate hitter Luke Pisker (Oley, Pa.) reached second when junior pitcher/infielder Ryan Birkenstock’s (Smithville, N.J.) throw pulled junior infielder Andrew Tesoriero (East Brunswick, N.J.) off the bag on a force play at second base.
With runners at second and third and one out, freshman third baseman Mike Pennington (Dresher, Pa.) was apparently picked off second base. On the play, Pennington broke toward third to elude the tag of junior pitcher/infielder Adam Sandt (Allentown, Pa.). As Sandt was chasing Pennington toward third, Pisker broke for home. He was safe at the plate as Sandt’s throw went wide of sophomore catcher David Katusa (Somerset, N.J.). Pennington, who was safe at third, scored on a ground out later in the inning as the Bulldogs grabbed a three-run lead.
Stevens closed to within 3-1 in the bottom of the third as senior outfielder Tim Meehan (Hawthorne, N.J.) delivered a one-out RBI single with runners at first and second. The Ducks had a chance cut into the lead further, but Tesoriero hit into a fielder’s choice force out at second with the bases loaded.
Pisker, who was 1-for-2 with two runs scored and an RBI, led off the fourth with a solo home run to right to put DeSales on top 4-1.
Stevens had numerous chances to get back into the game the rest of the way but was unable to take advantage of the opportunities. In the fourth, Meehan left the bases loaded as he grounded out to second. The Ducks also left runners at second and third in the sixth.
In the eighth, Meehan ripped a two-out single through the right side to score Katusa. With runners at second and third and two outs, Sandt popped out to second to end the threat.
The Ducks had one final chance in the ninth, but freshman pitcher/outfielder Joe Gunshor (Ridgefield, Conn.) struck out swinging with Tesoriero in scoring position.
Meehan led the way for Stevens with three hits and two RBI. Katusa was 3-for-4 with a run scored. Stevens collected 10 hits in the game, but none went for extra bases. McCormick fell to 2-1 on the year as he allowed three hits and four runs (only one earned) while striking out four batters in six innings.
DeSales only had five hits in the contest. The Bulldogs did receive a strong outing from senior pitcher Joe Chapman (Sellersville, Pa.). In 6.2 innings of work, Chapman (1-0) gave up only one run and struck out six batters. Junior pitcher Jon Kensecki (Bethlehem, Pa.) picked up his third save of the season by striking out the only two batters he faced in the ninth inning.
Stevens will be in action on Friday when it hosts FDU-Florham at 1 p.m.
