In a thrilling doubleheader at The Ballpark, Southern Connecticut State University's baseball team showcased their prowess against Franklin Pierce, securing victories of 9-3 and 9-2. With stellar performances from key players, the Owls elevated their record to 13-5 overall and 3-1 in NE10 play, while Franklin Pierce slipped to 10-13 overall and 2-2 in conference standings.

Unstoppable Momentum: Owls Reign Supreme in Back-to-Back Wins

Player Highlights Define Success

The standout performance by Patrick Dillon and Izaiah Walker was instrumental in securing the sweep. Both athletes contributed three hits each, with Dillon driving in four crucial runs. Chad Fedeli also played a pivotal role, accumulating four RBI and scoring three times throughout the twin bill. Colin Blake's pitching excellence saw him improve to 3-1 this season, as he limited Franklin Pierce to just three runs over eight innings. His five strikeouts further solidified his dominance. Steve Phillips delivered a commendable effort but ended without a decision. Payton Powell's dual-game appearance culminated in his first win of the season during Game 2.Southern Connecticut's opening salvo set the tone for the day. Jake Drewry's line drive to left field resulted in a hit that was mishandled by the opposing leftfielder, allowing Jake Gruttadauria to cross home plate. In the second inning, Izaiah Walker ignited the offense with a single, followed by Brennan Staubley's walk. When Spencer Chard loaded the bases with another single, Chad Fedeli unleashed a towering shot to right-center, clearing the bases and extending Southern's lead to 4-0. Fedeli added another run when he scored on a wild pitch, amplifying the Owls' advantage.

Rallying Against Adversity

Franklin Pierce managed to claw back one run in the third inning, reducing Southern's lead to 5-1. However, the Owls swiftly responded in the fourth. Errors plagued Franklin Pierce, enabling Fedeli to score following Gruttadauria's ground ball. Patrick Dillon capitalized on the opportunity, singling home Gruttadauria to extend Southern's lead to 7-1. Despite Franklin Pierce's efforts in the sixth inning, scoring twice to make it 7-3, Southern reclaimed control in the seventh by adding two more runs, solidifying their grip on the game.

Continued Dominance in the Second Encounter

The momentum carried into the second game, where Southern continued their offensive surge. Spencer Chard initiated the action with a single, advancing to second on a steal. Following Chad Fedeli's flyout and Jake Gruttadauria's walk, Jack Drewry delivered a timely single. Patrick Dillon then stepped up, delivering a two-run single to left, granting the Owls an early 2-0 lead. Steve Phillips navigated through the Franklin Pierce lineup effectively, keeping them scoreless for the first four innings. Although Franklin Pierce managed to tie the game at 2-2 in the fifth, Payton Powell's entry into the game proved decisive.

A Seven-Run Explosion Secures Victory

In the seventh inning, Southern orchestrated a seven-run rally that sealed their triumph. Brady Chernovitz earned an RBI after being hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. Derrick Jagello's ground ball to third advanced Izaiah Walker, contributing another run. Spencer Chard's subsequent hit by a pitch reloaded the bases, setting the stage for Chad Fedeli's impactful at-bat. An error on Fedeli's play allowed two runs to score, followed by Jake Gruttadauria's two-out single, driving in two more runs. Patrick Dillon concluded the inning with a RBI single, ensuring a commanding 9-2 lead. This comprehensive victory underscored the Owls' resilience and strategic acumen on the field.