ANDREW ANASTASIO — Staff Writer
The Southern Connecticut Owls avoided a sweep Sunday afternoon after splitting wins in a double-header contest against Saint Anselm.
Co-captain Ryan Yerina was the starting pitcher in the first game: he lasted one inning, surrendering four hits and four earned runs. The Owls took a 9-8 lead into the fifth inning, which turned into a 15-10 win for the Saint Anselm Hawks.
The Owls returned in the second game, starting their other co-captain Chris Zbin, who aided the Owls in a 3-2 victory. Head coach Tim Shea said he was pleased with his team’s overall performance in the second game.
“I was very proud with how they bounced back,” said Shea. “We battled through that first game and had a two-run lead going into the ninth and just couldn’t close the door. I was very happy the fact that they came back, got a great pitching performance from Chris, and then to see Rocco [Cundari] and A.J. [Turnier] come back in the second game in similar situations and get the job done. It was really good to see that.”
Zbin had a no-hitter through the first four innings he pitched. The no-hit bid was eventually broken up in the fifth when Saint Anselm first basemen Mike Hayden, hit a double to left field. Zbin finished his day with seven innings pitched, eight strikeouts, and two earned runs on five hits allowed. He said after the game that he was content with his performance.
“I thought I did pretty well,” said Zbin. “I struggled a little bit in the end, but I thought I came out strong, and Rocco came out and helped me finish the game.”
Despite scoring just three runs in the second game, the Owls finished with a team total of nine hits. Senior shortstop, Sam Greenberg, who finished the second game 1-for-4 with a run scored, said the key to his success was not being anxious.
“Just staying nice and relaxed, and letting the game come to me,” said Greenberg. “Obviously that’s a big thing up at the plate. If you start pressuring and pushing for hits then it’s going to make it a lot tougher on yourself. Staying relaxed and staying confident is a big thing.”
Sophomore closer A.J. Turnier, entered the second game in the ninth inning with a save opportunity. With the Owls maintaining a three to two lead, Turnier closed the door and solidified the victory for the Owls.
The Owls play their next game Wednesday, at Adelphi University. Shea said in order to prepare for their next opponent; the team needs to focus on defense.
“In that first game we didn’t pitch very well,” said Shea. “When we pitch well, we’re right in it. We definitely have to pitch better than we did in that first game, but we did a much better job in the second game. We had some quality at-bats during the course of the day, and hopefully that continues. Tomorrow is a new day, we’ll get back at it, and these guys will be ready to play.”
