MANCHESTER, N.H. – Sophomore Robert Kelly (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.) drove in two runs and threw a complete game to lead the Saint Anselm College baseball team past Southern New Hampshire University, 5-4, Wednesday afternoon at Penmen Field.
The Hawks improve to 18-17 on the season, including 8-8 in Northeast-10 play, while the Penmen drop to 18-17, 6-9 NE-10.
Southern New Hampshire jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first on a single to right field by Chris O'Neil. The Hawks answered back in a big way, however, hanging a four-spot on the Penmen in the top of the third.
Senior James Garrigan (Plymouth, Mass.) tied the game at one with an RBI single to right-center, before Kelly followed just two pitches later with a two-run double to right-center. Senior Matt Sucharewicz (Peabody, Mass.) came to the plate next and singled through the right side, putting the Hawks on top, 4-1.
The Penmen put together a big inning of their own in the fourth, knotting the game at four with a three-run inning that was highlighted by a Juan Amador two-run single up the middle.
Saint Anselm went back on top, 5-4, in the fifth on a two-out RBI single by junior Jeffrey Criscuolo (Durham, Conn.).
Kelly would not waste the run as he retired 15 in a row to end the game. Kelly (5-2) went the distance, giving up four runs on six hits and two walks – all in the first four innings – while striking out four.
SNHU starter Timothy Flight went the first 22/3, allowing four runs on five hits, while striking out three and walking three. Tyler Gauthier worked the next 21/3 and gave up one run on three hits, while striking out two and walking one. Bryant Gauthier and Ryan Walfield each tossed two innings, combining to allow one hit and a pair of walks to go along with seven strikeouts.
Kelly went 1-for-4 with a walk, two RBI and a run scored, while Garrigan was also 1-for-4 with an RBI and a run. Criscuolo was 2-for-4 while knocking in a run and scoring another. Junior Dan DeCoste (Chelmsford, Mass.) went 2-for-3 and scored a run.
The Hawks return to action Saturday, April 23 when they play host to Southern Connecticut State University in doubleheader action beginning at noon.