Last week, the Chargers fell short in a trio of games against the Pace University Setters, 2-1. The teams had already split the first two games, and Pace’s pitching and defense ultimately proved to be the difference in securing the series win.
In the opening game of the series, Pace came out strong with a 6-1 win. The Setters jumped to a 2-0 lead in the second inning after they capitalized on two errors from New Haven. Pace added another run in the sixth off a sacrifice fly from Josh Miller and extended the lead in the seventh to make it 6-1. Pace pitcher Justin Dressler (1-1) had a standout performance as he threw five scoreless innings and allowed just two hits while striking out two. New Haven’s offense was quiet for most of the game but did manage to get on the board in the second inning off a sac fly from Kenneth Franquiz.
Game two was an intense back-and-forth battle. Pace held a 3-0 lead through the first five innings after an RBI double from Brayden Sweppenhiser and two unearned runs in the sixth. However, New Haven came alive in the bottom of the sixth, with Nick Ungania and Casey Cerruto delivering clutch RBI singles to cut the deficit to 3-2. In the seventh, the Chargers exploded for four runs. Cam McGugan’s key RBI single tied the game and Ungania followed with a two-run single to give New Haven the lead. A balk later in the inning brought in another run and the Chargers held on to win 6-3. New Haven’s Jafar Vohra (2-1) was dominant in relief, as he threw three shutout innings and struck out five to secure the win. Despite the loss, Pace fought hard, with Anthony Apollaro (2-2) taking the loss after allowing three runs in just 0.2 innings.
In the final game of the series, both teams locked in a pitching duel, with Pace coming out on top 1-0. Setters pitcher Ryan Degnan (3-2) was sharp and went the distance with a complete game shutout. He allowed just five hits and struck out four batters. The game’s only run came in the second inning when Miller singled home Benjamin Tullo. New Haven had their opportunities, as there were runners on base in several innings, but they were unable to find the key hit to break through. Even with a solid effort from New Haven’s Randy Ramnarace, who threw a complete game, struck out 11 and allowed just one earned run, the Chargers couldn’t capitalize on their chances. Pace’s defense and pitching staff held firm and Vinny Fusco (1-3) took the tough loss for New Haven after he allowed the lone run on no hits in the second inning.
After the series loss to Pace, New Haven has an overall record of 15-7 and 4-4 in conference play. The Chargers will host the Southern Connecticut University Owls (SCSU) on Wednesday for a conference matchup. The first pitch is set for 3 p.m. at Frank Vieira Field. For more information, visit NewHavenChargers.com.
