Baseball Completes Series Sweep Over Daniel Webster

Chris Kendrick (@CKendrick86)

NASHUA, N.H. – The Elms College baseball team swept a New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) doubleheader over host Daniel Webster Saturday afternoon at Harvey Woods Field, The Blazers improve to 14-2 on the year and 3-0 in conference play, while Daniel Webster drops to 1-4 in NECC action and 4-7 overall.

Game 1: Elms 8, Daniel Webster 5

The Blazers jumped on Daniel Webster early as junior Jordan Zima (Berlin, Conn.) knocked home classmate Aedin Wadja (Lebanon, Conn.) with an RBI single in the top of the first.

In the top of the third, Elms added to their advantage as junior Stephen Harrison (Southbury, Conn.) was hit by a pitch, stole second and scored on another RBI single from Zima. Zima turned on the wheels, scoring from first base on an RBI double from junior Tim Gelzinis (N. Dighton, Mass.) to push the Blazers lead to 3-0.

After being held to one hit over the first three innings by Elms senior Tom Weldon (Springfield, Mass.), the Eagles cracked the scoreboard on a two-out RBI single from sophomore Mark Ruiz (Framingham, Mass.) to make it a 3-1 game.

The Blazers responded with four runs in the top of the fifth. Zima plating Harrison on an RBI double, followed by sophomore Dan Brunetti (Enfield, Conn.) knocking two-run single with the bases loaded to build a 6-1 lead. Sophomore Ben Ross (Thompson, Conn.) laced a two-out RBI single to cap the inning.

Daniel Webster cut into the Blazers lead in the bottom of the inning as junior Fernando Osorio (Manchester, N.H.) drew a bases loaded hit by pitch, followed by a two-run double from junior Dakota Williams (Hudson, N.H.). The Blazers prevented further damage, cutting down Osorio on a relay from centerfield to home, keeping the score at 7-4.

Zima tacked on his fourth RBI of the game, scoring Wadja on a double in the sixth. Senior Kyle Barlett (Huntington, Mass.) registered his first save of the season, allowing one run in an inning of relief to secure the 8-5 win.

Zima led the Blazers at the dish, batting 4-for-4 with four RBIs and two runs scored. Brunetti went 3-for-4 with two RBIs, while Gelzinis and Ross drove in a run each. Weldon (4-0) earned the win, allowing five runs in six innings with a season-high 10 strikeouts.

Williams was 3-for-4 with three RBIs for Daniel Webster. Senior Costa Tingas (Lowell, Mass.) took the loss, surrendering seven runs, six earned, on five hits.

Game 2: Elms 4, Daniel Webster 0

After a scoreless first inning, the Blazers plated a run in the top of the second as Gelzinis scored on a fielding error by the Eagles to stake Elms to a 1-0 lead. The Blazers added to their lead in the third with Harrison knocking a double, and then scoring on an RBI double from Zima to make it a 2-0 game.

With two outs in the fourth, Elms senior Nolan Medeiros (Taunton, Mass.) drew a walk and then swiped second base to get into scoring position. Junior Brian Hungerford (New Preston, Conn.) brought Medeiros home on an RBI single, and then came around to score on an RBI double from freshman Alex Hoss (Stafford Springs, Conn.) to hand Elms a 4-0 lead.

Elms senior Andrew Sadowski (3-1; Northampton, Mass.) hurled a complete game gem for the Blazers, holding the Eagles to just two hits in seven innings with four strikeouts.

Daniel Webster junior Nick Goodin (1-2; Dracut, Mass.) was saddled with the loss, giving up four runs, three earned, on six hits with two strikeouts in a complete game effort.

The Blazers will be back in action with a non-conference game against Fitchburg State Monday night at MacKenzie Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Daniel Webster hosts Emerson in non-conference play Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.

ELMS BASEBALL