HOBOKEN, N.J. (February 27, 2008) – Freshman Denis Ackermann batted 2-for-3 with a pair of RBI on Wednesday afternoon, but it wasn't enough as the Stevens Institute of Technology baseball team dropped a close 6-5 decision to No. 3 and defending Division III national champion Kean University at Dobbelaar Baseball Field in Hoboken, N.J. The game was a make-up as it was originally scheduled for February 24, but was postponed due to weather.
The Ducks (1-3) reached the scoreboard first in the bottom of the second inning when freshman Mike Pagliaro singled home Ackermann from second base. The Cougars (0-1) answered with four runs in the next inning. After a fielding error by sophomore Eddie Daniele, Kean got big hits from seniors Eric Ammirata and Dan Mattonelli that plated three runs.
The Cougars added on another run in the visiting half of the fourth inning as senior Kevin O'Neill (Union, N.J.) belted a home run over the left-field wall. Following scoreless fifth innings from both squads, Stevens totaled four runs over the next two home halves to knot the contest up at 5-5. Three of those scores took place during the bottom of the seventh.
Ackermann was a key piece as he got the Ducks within one (5-4) on a single to left to plate senior David Katusa and freshman Ken Meerendonk. Senior John Frustaci slid into home to tie the game off a wild pitch from junior Brandon Aich (Sayreville, N.J.). After that, freshman outfielder Matt Roman was thrown out at second base as he was trying to advance on the play.
O'Neill gave Kean the lead for good in the top of the eighth inning when he slapped an RBI single to right field to bring home senior Bryan Burke (Lindenhurst, N.Y.).
Senior Scott Picerno was saddled with his second loss of the season as he gave up one run and five hits in four innings pitched. He also walked and struck out a batter. Sophomore Joe Finora started the contest for Stevens and threw five innings of four-hit, five-run (three earned) ball.
Freshman infielder Matt Glassman went 1-for-4 with an RBI. Meerendonk and Katusa also batted 1-for-4 as they each drove in a run and scored a run for the Ducks.
Aich earned the win after sitting down seven Ducks in 2 2/3 innings of work. He struck out each of the batters that he faced. Senior Thomas Paglione (Hamilton, N.J.) was the starter for the Cougars. He went six innings, while giving up two runs and six hits. He struck out seven batters as well.
Stevens returns to action this Sunday when it hosts a doubleheader against Skidmore College at Dobbelaar Baseball Field. First pitch is scheduled for noon.
