SALISBURY, Md. (February 17, 2008) – The Stevens Institute of Technology baseball team dropped two games to No. 26 Salisbury University on Sunday in its season-opening doubleheader in Salisbury, Md. The Ducks combined for just five hits on the day as they lost 24-1 in Game 1 and 11-2 in Game 2.
Stevens jumped on top in Game 1 when freshman Ken Meerendonk was awarded first base after he was hit by a pitch. He was able to advance to second on a throwing error by junior catcher Michael Loomis (Salem, N.H.). Senior John Frustaci drove in Meerendonk on a single up the middle to score the Ducks only run of the game.
Senior Scott Picerno was tagged with the loss for his two innings pitched giving up five hits and two earned runs. The Seagulls took advantage of the seven errors posted by the Ducks as they scored in every inning except for the third. In the bottom of the fifth, the gates opened when Salisbury recorded nine runs on four walks, a pair of errors and one hit by pitch. Junior pitcher Eric Willey (Cambridge, Md.) received the win for his five innings pitched. He gave up just one hit and struck out four batters.
In Game 2, the Ducks scored first when they posted arun in the top of the second after sophomore Anthony Andrews stole third and was driven in by freshman Mike Pagliaro, who hit into a fielder's choice.
After allowing two runs to score in the bottom of the third off a two-run bomb to right-center from sophomore Mike Celenza (Gaithersburg, Md.), the Ducks responded offensively in the top of the fourth. Andrews also scored the second run of the game after he reached base on a single to right. A fielder's choice moved Andrew up 90 feet. He then stole third for the second time. Andrews scored on a single to right-field off the bat of sophomore Eddie Daniele. The Seagulls were able to score nine more runs on seven hits over the fourth, fifth and sixth innings. Sophomore Joe Finora earned the loss for his four innings pitched where he gave up five earned runs on six hits. The win was awarded to freshman Dustin Herbert (Huntingtown, Md.) after his four innings pitched. He allowed one earned run on four hits.
Stevens fell to 0-2 on the season as Salisbury advanced to 2-1. Despite the lack of an offensive force, Head Coach John Crane is very optimistic after today's performance.
“Pitching took us out of Game 1 as the deficit was too large to come back and allow us to put something together,” said Crane. “We saw much improvement in the second game and put up a good fight. This season will rely on how fast our young guys earn the experience needed to play at this level as we all work towards improving our play heading into conference competition,” added Crane.
Stevens will have a week to get things together before they face the defending 2007 NCAA Division III national champions Kean University in the Ducks' home-opener next Saturday. The game is slotted for a 2 p.m. start.
