The Chargers hosted the Assumption University Greyhounds on Wednesday and came out on top with a score of 7-1. Leading up to the weekday matchup, New Haven came off of an eight-game winning streak and was able to secure their ninth victory in a row.
The first two innings went scoreless, with each team going three-up three-down until the bottom of the third. The Chargers put the first run on the board after graduate outfielder Rob Taylor singled with bases loaded to bring home infielder Kenny Franquiz. Innings four and five also went scoreless, with Assumption scoring their only run of the game in the top of the sixth due to an error from the third baseman.
Going into the seventh inning with a tied score, New Haven was able to take back the lead with two runs added to the board. The first run came off a triple from Franquiz that scored sophomore designated hitter Jake Russo. Then, Franquiz was brought in by junior infielder Aedan Forde, who singled to left field.
New Haven put the nail in the coffin in the eighth inning, scoring four runs and securing the six-run lead. Taylor started the rally for the Chargers with a single to third base and a steal to put him in scoring position. Pinch hitter Nick Ungania capitalized on the opportunity and brought Taylor home with a double to left field. Third baseman Joey Frazzetta kept the momentum going with a double of his own to bring in the second run of the inning. Forde added two more RBI to his stats after he brought in Russo and Frazzetta on a single to right field.
Forde led the Chargers offensively with three RBI and two hits. Taylor, Ungania, Frazzetta and Franquiz added one RBI each with doubles from Ungania and Frazzetta and a triple from Franquiz.
Freshman pitcher Cole Gibson started on the mound for New Haven and took the win, giving up one hit and one unearned run over 5.2 innings of work. Gibson also added three strikeouts and one walk.
The Chargers went on to play two double-headers over the weekend. In their games against the Franklin Pierce University Ravens, the Chargers fell short 0-2 after a 5-2 loss in the first game and a 6-3 loss in the second. On Sunday, New Haven got back in the win column with a complete sweep of the Saint Michael’s College Purple Knights. In the first game, Matt McIntire and Taylor each had three hits and led the Chargers to a 10-6 win. In the second game, pitcher Michael Gatti did not allow for the Purple Knights to reach home while the Chargers tallied three runs and shut out Saint Michael’s 3-0.
The Chargers now have an overall record of 13-5 and 2-2 in conference play. New Haven will host the Southern Connecticut University Owls on Tuesday for a conference matchup. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Frank Vieira Field. For more information, visit NewHavenChargers.com.
