EC vs. Rollins (Game 1)
EC vs. Rollins (Game 2)
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – A pair of shutdown pitching performances by Rollins College's Anthony Figliolia and Brett Mueller along with the flashing of defensive leather left the Eckerd College baseball program befuddled after falling in a Friday doubleheader, 4-1 and 13-0.
Figliolia pitched eight strong innings in the opener while the southpaw Mueller tossed five scoreless frames to allow one combined run and keep the Tritons' (15-19 ,3-12 SSC) offense tamed.
But there were a number of defensive web gems that just left onlookers scratching their heads.
In addition to a high number of double plays being turned by both squads all over the infield, Rollins' Zach Persky robbed EC's
Kevin Rea of a hit with a diving stab in center, while Figliolia and Steve Betcherman made full-out extended grabs on hot liners drilled by the Tritons inside the third-base line.
The Tars turned the tables on the Tritons to win the series after Eckerd claimed Thursday's night nine-inning contest.
Propelled by home runs from Josh Band (solo) and Greg Smith (three-run blast), Rollins (21-11, 4-5 SSC) rolled with a four-run fourth inning in game one on a blustery day with the wind blowing hard in excess of 25 mph left-to-right in the outfield.
The two longballs allowed by Jordan Huchro were the only blemish in what otherwise was a sterling start.
Huchro lasted 7 1/3 innings on the mound and didn't allow any additional runs to cross the plate. Senior reliever
Robbie Nabers induced a pair of double plays as part of his 1 2/3 scoreless innings out of the bullpen.
Rea continued his hot hitting and ended Figliolia's no-hit bid in the bottom of the fifth inning with a line drive single in the right center gap. Figliolia had retired 12 straight to begin the game before
Joey LaRose drew a leadoff walk to open the fifth.
The Tritons found a small chink in Figliolia's armor as Lee Spinelle hit an RBI single to score
Alex Del Monte, who hit his seventh double of the season.
Rollins loaded its lineup with left-handed bats in attempt to play the pull, a strategic move with the windy conditions. It paid off for Band, who launched a home run underneath the Tritons' new scoreboard to get the scoring underway before Smith went opposite field to right for what turned out to be a decisive three-run homer.
Unfortunately, for the Tritons, the conclusion didn't go as scripted when the Tars pounded out 18 hits against Eckerd and blew the doors open with seven runs in the top of the fifth inning.
After earning the win in the opener, Figliolia went 3-for-4 at the plate and Sean Reilly had a key two-run single in the fifth. The fourth inning saw three Tars runs score in part to four Tritons' errors, including a routine ground ball that plated two.
EC senior catcher
Aaron Shapiro showed off his strong arm from behind the dish as he gunned down three would-be basestealers.
The Tritons return back to the Turley Athletic Complex for another home contest on Monday night against Clearwater Christian College. First pitch for the 7 p.m. contest can be seen and heard on EckerdTritons.com.
