MANCHESTER, N.H. – Senior Robert Kelly (Aurora, Colo.) hit his fifth home run of the year to stake the Saint Anselm College baseball team to an early lead, but Southern New Hampshire University captured a 9-2 victory at Penmen Field on Thursday evening.
The Hawks drop to 13-18-1 on the season, including 2-6 in Northeast-10 Northeast Division play, while the Penmen improve to 22-10, 5-3 NE-10 NE.
With two outs in the top of the first, Kelly took an 0-2 pitch and launched it over the fence in right field to put Saint Anselm on top, 1-0.
Southern New Hampshire responded with a pair of runs in the bottom of the frame against senior James Farrington (West Milford, N.J.), however, on an RBI double to left by Matt Boulter and a run-scoring single up the middle by Jon Minucci.
The Penmen then put together a five-run fifth with just three hits – scoring two runs on bases-loaded walks, one on a groundout, another on a sacrifice fly and one on a base hit.
Saint Anselm cut it to 7-2 in the eighth when junior Tito Lluberes (Lawrence, Mass.) drew a leadoff walk, moved to second on a passed ball, advanced to third on a wild pitch and crossed the plate when sophomore Mike Hayden (Cranston, R.I.) reached on a fielder's choice.
SNHU tacked on two more in the bottom of the inning on RBI singles from Andy Lalli and Brendan O'Brien.
Farrington was tagged with the loss after giving up seven runs on seven hits and seven walks, while striking out three over 4.0 innings. Freshman Tom Hudon (Merrimack, N.H.) pitched a scoreless inning, allowing just one hit. Sophomore Ryan Cosmopulos (Seekonk, Mass.) worked 2.0 shutout innings, giving up a hit, while walking three and fanning a pair. Freshman Seve Llanio (Glen Arm, Md.) was charged with two runs on four hits, while walking one and striking out two in 1.0 inning.
Kelly was 1-for-3 with a run and an RBI, while Hayden, seniors Richie Manzi (Plymouth, N.H.) and Rett Ostafin (Port St. Lucie, Fla.) and junior Kyle Grumoli (So. Hadley, Mass.) were all 1-for-4.
John Pickowicz (3-0) went the first 7.1 innings for SNHU and allowed two runs – one earned – on five hits, while striking out two and walking two.
The Hawks return to action Saturday, April 13 at noon against UMass Lowell in doubleheader action at LeLacheur Park. The next home game for the Hawks is Saturday, April 20 when they play host to Merrimack College in doubleheader action that begins at noon at Sullivan Park. Stay up-to-date with the latest news, including game previews and recaps, directly from the Saint Anselm College athletic department by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter @STAHawks.
