April 22, 2005
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Western New England College scored nine runs in the first inning and sophomore Eric Smolin (Westford, MA) picked up his first collegiate win as Western New England College defeated Endicott College 15-8 at WNEC's Trelease Park.
The game got off to a promising start as Endicott quickly put up two run on four hits in the top of the first. Matt Bishop and Dan Gomez singled in Jon Trowt and Kevin Donhue, respectively. However, WNEC answered with nine runs on nine hits and one Endicott error, chasing Gull starter, John Bedard, after on two-thirds of an inning.
WNEC sophomore designated hitter Garrison Ward (Wyckoff, NJ) led the 19-hit attack by going 3-for-5 with triple, homer, four runs-batted-in and two runs. Senior centerfielder Jeff Maurutis (Milford, CT), senior right-fielder Kyle Hackney (Bristol, CT), and sophomore third baseman Josh Jacobs (Essex Junction, VT) also collected three hits apiece. Jacobs and senior left-fielder Chris Mahoney (Yorkville, NY) each knocked in three runs.
Endicott fought back and collected 13 hits of its own. They were able to cut the margin to four runs twice at 10-6 and 12-8. But each time, Western New England had an answer in the home half of the inning. Kevin Donahue had three including a double and two runs scored. Matt Bishop had two hits, including his seventh home run of the season and three RBIs. In addition Dan Gomez and Steve Vidmosko each had two hits.
Senior Frank Candella (Marcy, NY) went four innings before giving way to Smolin who allowed two runs and three hits while striking out five in 3 2/3 innings of relief. Endicott's Chris Serrano, pitched well in relief to cool off WNEC's hot bats for three innings. Jon Trowt came in to pitch the last three and one-third.
Western New England College (20-5) beat Endicott (19-10) year in the NCAA Division III New England Regional Tournament and once during the regular season making four straight over the Gulls.