Keene Defeats Newport 7-1 to Win Fourth NECBL Championship
August 15, 2013 - New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL)
Keene Swamp Bats News Release
In a winner take all game, the Keene Swamp Bats defeated the Newport Gulls in a decisive Game Three of the NECBL Championship Series 7-1.
After both teams squandered bases loaded opportunities in the first inning, it was Keene who jumped out on top early.
With the bases again loaded in the top of the second, Hofstra's Matt Ford roped a three RBI double off the center field wall to give Keene an early 3-0 lead.
Newport answered back though with their only run of the night in the bottom of the second on a Shea Donlin RBI single off of Paul Covelle.
Covelle, out of Franklin Pierce University, made the start for Keene, but only lasted 2.2 innings. The right-hander surrendered just one run on four hits and four walks, but with Game Three being the last day of the season, every pitcher had a short leash.
University of Virginia's Nathan Kirby, usually a starter for Keene, came on in relief of Covelle and was fantastic.
The southpaw went 2.1 scoreless innings, giving up one hit and three walks with three strikeouts.
In fact, all of Keene's relief pitched fantastic. The trio of Kirby, Matthew Clancy, and James Connell took care of the remaining 7.1 innings without surrendering another run.
Keene kept taking on to their lead, first in the third inning. St John's Zach Lauricella went deep to left center field for a solo shot to extend the Swamp Bat's lead to 4-1.
In the top of the fourth, JP Sportman knocked in two more Keene runs with a 2 RBI single into right field.
The final Keene run would come from Lauricella again, this time scoring Rutgers' Brian O'Grady on a RBI single in the sixth inning.
The game would remain 7-1 for the remainder of the way. James Connell came on in the ninth to finish things off, and after allowing back to back one out singles, the right handed side winder out of Kennesaw State got a strikeout and a pop out to finish the game, and the NECBL season.
After the final out, the entire Keene dugout dog piled Connell next to the mound, as they wildly celebrated their NECBL championship victory.
The championship is the Swamp Bat's fourth league title, and the second Fay Vincent Cup Keene have won in the last three years.
Well folks, its been a pleasure writing these recaps. The boys are all heading home tomorrow and will prepare for their collegiate seasons. The Swamp Bats, which will have many new faces but will also have some from this squad as well, will be back at it in June 2014, seeking a repeat championship. See you then.
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New England Collegiate Baseball League Stories from August 15, 2013
- Danbury Whalers Release 2013-14 Schedule - Danbury Westerners
- Keene Defeats Newport 7-1 to Win Fourth NECBL Championship - Keene Swamp Bats
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