Baseball Sweeps St. Rose
The baseball team opened their fall season against College of St. Rose in Albany and showcased a talented group of freshmen and returners.
The first game saw Coach Job's squad run up 13 runs while the pitching staff held the St. Rose lineup to 1 run in 4 innings. Max Perrotta returned to the mound after a season off and was lights out as he struck out 6 and allowed only 1 hit and 1 run in his 2 innings of work before giving way to Zach Vavasour who pitched a perfect 2 innings and struck out 4 batters. Joe Battista, who transferred in from Plattsburgh, wasted no time making his mark on the lineup as he went 2 for 2 with a walk, drove in 2 and scored 3 times. He was outdone by returning center fielder Ramon Acosta, though. Acosta collected 3 hits including a double, scored a run and drove in a run. Sophomore shortstop Jared Winkle added to the offense with a 2 for 3 day with a double and a run, while freshman catcher Blake Wiegert reached base three times via the free pass.
The second game was more of the same as the Timberwolves jumped out to a 9-0 lead in the top of the first and never looked back as they finished the game with a 12 to 4 victory. Ben Marsh started the game and pitched 2 innings, striking out 4. Josh Brase relieved him and struck out 3 in 1 and 2/3 innings before running into a little trouble and giving way to Brendon Shufelt who finished the inning and pitched a clean 5th while utilizing a sidearm delivery that befuddled the St. Rose batters. Returner Vincent Valenti came on to close out the game and was spectacular in his 2 innings of work, giving up only a walk while striking out 3.
Joe Battista continued his offensive outburst as she went 2 for 4 with 3 RBI and a triple to complete a 4 for 6 day at the plate. Acosta added another double to his resume as well to finish the double header at 4 for 5. While Acosta and Battista was the stars due to their consistent work, Zach Malek had the swing of the day and defensive play of the day as he showed glimpses of what his future holds in store. His glove at third base was on display on a sharply hit ground ball to his left. He took two quick steps into the hole, made a diving stop and fired a bullet across the diamond to record the out, bringing the crowd to their feet. He would later bring them to their feet again as he turned on an inside fastball and lifted a deep fly ball over the left field fence for a solo shot. He also picked up a single and 2 walks for the game.
The Timberwolves next suit up Saturday the 22nd as they travel up the Northway to battle Plattsburgh and St. Michael's.