The men's baseball team went on the road for their first games of the season this past weekend. The Twins came home with a well-earned record of 1-2-1 in four very close games. It was the only the fourth and fifth time they have even played on grass this season.
On Saturday, the Twins squared off against Ocean County College in Toms River, New Jersey, losing 4-3. The game was tied at 3 going into the seventh. Ocean County scored in the bottom of the seventh off relief pitcher Kris Bucci to take the win. Sophomore Jon Halligan started the game, pitching six innings and only giving up one earned run. Halligan also led the Twins at the plate with a double, single and an RBI, followed by Sophomore Kevin Hunt who contributed a single and an RBI. In the second game of the doubleheader sophomore Mike Jacobsen pitched a gem, going seven innings and only giving up one earned run on four hits. The score was tied at 2 after the seventh, and then the snow started falling. After a delay, the game was called due to the weather.
On Sunday afternoon, the team travelled to Bergen Community College for a doubleheader. Just like Saturday, the teams played even before the Twins would lose on a walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the seventh, 6-5. Freshman Chris Williams was charged with the loss. Freshman Andriel Santana had two singles and two RBI, and Hunt contributed a single and an RBI. The Twins found themselves in another close battle in game two, but this time managed to come out on top winning 9-7 in nine innings. Freshmen Bryan Smith and Peter Russo along with Jacobson all contributed two singles. Sophomore Cody Broast got the win in relief pitch 2.2 innings with two strikeouts.
Overall, Coach Josh Horn was happy with the weekend, although he was expecting a couple more wins. "The team showed great resiliency this weekend. We lost two games in the bottom of the seventh in our first three games, but the team bounced back and showed a lot of heart. The bullpen was stellar on the day. It was great to see so many freshmen contribute over the weekend, and we will continue to turn to them in key situations."
The team returns to action on Saturday, March 23rd when they travel to Orange County Community College for a double header.