| Thorbahn |
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 17, 2024) – The Stonehill College baseball team battled Bethune-Cookman to a thrilling 8-7 victory at the Jackie Robinson Ballpark Saturday afternoon. With the win, the Skyhawks move to 1-2 overall, while the Wildcats dip to 2-1 on the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Stonehill wasted little time getting the scoring started during the series finale in the top of the first inning with a pair of runs. Sophomore Sam Parksstarted the hitting parade with a single into center field before senior captain Trey Ciulla-Hall ripped a double down the left field line. With two runners in scoring position, junior Jack Throbahn stepped up to the dish and lifted a two-run single out into right field, giving the Skyhawks an early 2-0 lead over the Wildcats.
Bethune-Cookman would capitalize with two outs in the bottom of the opening frame and plate a pair of runs after an errant throw over to first. The Wildcats gained the lead at 3-2 after junior Manny Souffrain drove an RBI double down the right field line, scoring junior Jorge Rodriguez, who reached base via the error on the previous play.
The Wildcats would extend their lead with two runs in the second after a triple off the bat of senior Garrett Chun. However, their three-run lead wouldn't last long as back-to-back, ground-rule doubles from Thorbahn and senior Blaine Lidsky in the third cut the Skyhawks deficit to 5-4.
After junior starter Zach Gleason worked out of a jam in the bottom of the fourth, the Skyhawks bats would reward their starter's efforts in the next half inning. Parks led off the frame with a single into center field and was brought around to score from first off a fielder's choice errant throw from the Wildcats middle infielder.
Stonehill would regain its edge on the scoreboard after senior Jack Marshall attacked the first pitch he saw and drove an RBI single to right, bringing home Ciulla-Hall from second base and giving the Skyhawks a 7-6 lead.
After giving up the lead and allowing the Wildcats to tie the game at seven apiece, the Skyhawks would continue the theme of trading runs back and forth in the eighth. Stonehill loaded the bases off three walks to freshman Aidan Sengenberger, junior Taylor Gaspar, and Parks. With a wild pitch thrown to the backstop by junior Jeffrey Gonzalez, Sengenberger could race home and score, giving the Skyhawks an 8-7 lead late in the contest.
| Marot earned his first career save on four pitches in the bottom of the ninth. (Photo Credit Jim Pierce). |
Despite loading the bases, the Skyhawk's defense, and senior closer Jordan Marot slammed the door shut on four pitches to seal Stonehill's 8-7 victory.
INSIDE THE BOX & NOTES
- Gleason got the start on the mound and worked four complete innings where he struck five batters on the day.
- Senior Joe Castrichini (1-0) picked up the win after appearing in 2.2 innings of relief with three strikeouts.
- Marot earned his first career save after shutting down the Bethune-Cookman bases loaded opportunity on four pitches in the bottom of the ninth.
- Thorbahn highlighted the Skyhawks offense, going 3-for-5 at the dish with three RBI and two runs scored, while Lidsky went 2-for-5 with a double and two RBI.
UP NEXT
Stonehill (1-2, 0-0 NEC) returns to action the first weekend of March for a three-game set against Florida Atlantic University. First pitch of Friday's series opener between the Skyhawks and Owls is set for 6:30 p.m. in Boca Raton, Florida.
For the latest on Stonehill Athletics, follow the Skyhawks via social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Fans can also download the Stonehill Skyhawks "Front Row" mobile app, powered by PrestoSports, on iTunes and the Android Market.
