Clark University Launches Past Fitchburg State 8-6

With help from a pair of homeruns Clark University were able to power past Fitchburg State University in non-conference action by a final score of 8-6 at Riccards Field in Fitchburg, Massachusetts.

Designated hitter David Eschen and right fielder James Conway picked up a homerun each in the contest to help surge past the Falcons with shortstop Kyle Bonicki adding two hits in the team's victory.

Junior left-handed pitcher Joe Gouveia came into the game to relieve the starter after four innings to pace Clark University for the final five innings allowing just two hits on no walks while striking out three batters.

For Fitchburg State, freshman lefty Noah Millard was hit with the loss after giving up two earned runs off three Cougar hits in 3.2 innings.

Action began in the top of the first. Sophomore catcher Nathan Littman successfully tossed out a would-be base stealer at third-base before Conway launched a two-run shot into deep centerfield for the games first runs and the Cougar advantage (2-0).

In the top of the second Clark University opened the inning with back-to-back singles before freshman Nate Keuter advanced the runners to third and second with a sacrifice bunt. The next batter, Zach Richall, grounded out to the right-side of the infield allowing Mike Tice to score (3-0).

The next half inning Fitchburg State got on the board for the first time a a pair of Falcon's hitters reached base safely before Andrew Currie singled into left field to bring home the runner from third. Later in the inning Littman picked up a RBI after working a bases loaded walk (3-2).

In the top of the third Eschen pounced on the second pitch of the inning from freshman left-hander Evan Meleedy sending it into the wind tunnels and over the left field fence to double the Cougar lead (4-2).

After Clark University starter Taylor Serrano delivered a hitless bottom of the third inning, the Cougars grabbed a two more runs as Conway picked up his third RBI of the game after being hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. Later in the inning catcher Mike Eglow hit a sacrifice fly to left-field before the inning ended with Fitchburg State shortstop Andrew Mooney cutting down a runner headed for home on a double-steal (6-2).

In the bottom of the fourth inning the Green and Gold had their best offensive frame starting with a walk to lead-off by Mooney, who later came around to score on a passed ball. A second passed ball in the inning by Eglow allowed Cutler to score from third before Mike St. John plated two Falcons with his single into centerfield (6-6).

After two innings of scoreless baseball, Clark University permanently took the lead as first-baseman Zach Kelley hit the go-ahead RBI single into left field before Keuter drove in the second run of the inning on a fielder's choice to shortstop (8-6).

The lead was preserved as Gouveia retired nine straight Falcon hitters on two strikeouts to give Clark University the 8-6 win.

For Fitchburg State, Littman continued his hot start to the season in the loss going two-for-four at the dish with a RBI, and throwing out a pair of base runners on defense. Designated hitter St. John added two hits with a team-high two RBI and centerfielder Currie drove in his second collegiate run.

The Green and Gold were slightly out-hit in the non-conference affair 10-9.

Clark University (12-11) open up conference play against Massachusetts Institute of Technology on Saturday April 2^nd starting at 12:00 P.M.

Fitchburg State University (5-11) hit the road on Saturday April 2^nd for the first conference match-up of the season in a double-header with Framingham State at the New England Baseball Complex to start at 5:45 P.M. 

Release Courtesy of Fitchburg State Journalist Student Kyle Prudhomme