Hart Leads the Way as Swamp Bats Win Season Opener

June 9, 2016 - New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL)
Keene Swamp Bats News Release


The Keene Swamp Bats got the season off on the right foot by defeating the Valley Blue Sox by a score of 6-3. Franklin Pierce's Zach Hart led the way with seven strikeouts and gave up three earned runs in 6 innings of work.

The Swamp Bats traveled down down to Holyoke, Massachusetts for their season opener in front a packed house at Mackenzie Stadium. Right-handed pitcher Zach Hart got the ball for the Swamp Bats and held the Blue Sox hitless through the first four innings.

"My fastball and slider were working really for me early," said Hart. "I was just trying keep them off balance and focus on keeping my pitches low."

Lee University's Jordan Howard broke open a scoreless game in the top of the fourth inning when he drove a 2-2, high and away fastball that got over Valley centerfielder Brodie Leftridge's head for a three-run single.

Valley was finally able to get their first hit of the game in the fifth inning, but a great defensive play by Hart helped him prevent any damage. The Blue Sox were able to get three runs in the sixth inning off of Hart, but that's all they would get.

Kent State's Dom Iero knocked in some insurance runs for the Swamp Bats with 2-run single in the eighth inning.

Right-handed pitcher Ivon Clough of Southern New Hampshire University came in the ninth inning and closed out the game, tossing a strikeout to Chris Starcun to end the game.

The Swamp Bats return home on Saturday, June 11th at 6:30 p.m. for their home opener as they take on the North Adams Steeplecats.



New England Collegiate Baseball League Stories from June 9, 2016


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