Dukes Win Second Straight, Three out of Four, 3-0 vs. Vermont
Montpelier, Vermont. (June 27, 2007) – Jose Mendoza (University of
Maine) picked up his first win of the NECBL season, going five and a
third shutout innings, giving up just two hits while striking out
four. The win gives the Dukes their first winning streak of the
season and have now won three of their last four.
The bullpen work behind Mendoza was just as stellar. Bob Buskett
(College of New Jersey) entered in the bottom of the sixth with
runners on first and second and one out. He threw a wild pitch
advancing Mountaineer runners to second and third. Buskett then
struck out Robbie Nickle (College of William & Mary) and induced a
harmless pop-up from Nick Panzarella (Hofstra University) to end the
inning. Buskett threw two and two-thirds perfect innings of relief
for his first hold of the season.
Jack Bender (Georgetown University) pitched a scoreless ninth,
striking out two, to notch his first save, and close out the third
Dukes win in four tries.
Jeff Rustico (American International College) had a nice game at the
plate, going two-for-three with a single and a double. The single,
came in the top of the fourth and scored Nelson Gomez (Keystone
College) and Phil Cerreto (Longwood University) with the first two
runs of the game. Rustico scored an insurance run in the ninth on an
Adam Tempesta (University of Massachusetts) RBI double.
The most important, and impressive, defensive play for the Dukes
came in the bottom of the fifth inning. Vermont leftfielder A.J.
Pollack (Notre Dame) hit a ball all the way to the 307-foot sign
down the leftfield line with two runners on and two outs. His
counterpart, Tony DiCesare (Northeastern University) ranged all the
way back to the wall, leapt, and robbed Pollack of extra bases.
DiCesare also had a triple on the night.
The Dukes conclude their road trip in Lowell on Thursday. They will
be home Friday to take on the North Adams SteepleCats in Game Two of
the Battle of the Berkshires
Series between the two Southern Division rivals. First pitch is
slated for 7 p.m. from Wahconah Park.
Season tickets for the Dukes are still available. Tickets can be
purchased online at www.pittsfielddukes.com or by calling (413)
447-DUKE.
The Dukes appreciate your support. GO DUKES!!!
