Dukes Unable to Hold Early Lead, Fall 11-6 in Keene
Keene, N.H. (Tuesday July 17, 2007) – The Dukes jumped out to a five
run lead after the top of the second, but were unable to hold on as
they lost for the fourth time in five games.
The Dukes, who were a mere two and a half games out of a playoff
spot going into their doubleheader with North Adams on Friday July
13th, now fall to four and a half games out of the fourth and final
spot in the NECBL’s Southern Division.
Pittsfield scored five runs in the second inning, and would not push
another run across until the ninth. After back-to-back outs were
recorded in the second, the Dukes mounted an impressive two out
rally.
Jeff Rustico (American International College) got the ball rolling
with a basehit into rightfield and Keli’i Zablan (Southern Utah
University) worked a full-count walk. Alex Hassan (Duke University)
hit a groundball out to the hole at shortstop that was misplayed by
Swamp Bat shortstop Mike Freeman (University of Georgia) loading the
bases full of Dukes.
Tony DiCesare (Northeastern University) lined a single into
rightfield that would have plated only Rustico. It bounced off of
the glove of Jared Humphreys (Kent State University) in the right,
and then made a wild throw to third allowing all three base runners
to score.
Tyler Stampone (The College of the Holy Cross) concluded the rally
in fine fashion as he drove a ball deep over the leftfield wall in
Keene, extending his hitting streak to twelve games, and giving the
Dukes their largest lead of the game.
The Swamp Bats countered with two runs in the second, four in the
fourth, one in the fifth, three in the seventh and on more in the
eighth. Every pitcher that threw in the game for Pittsfield game up
at least one run.
The Dukes remain on the road as they travel to Danbury to take on
the Westerners at seven. Pittsfield plays a doubleheader on Thursday
in Manchester and concludes their road trip Friday in Torrington
against the Southern Division leading Twisters.
For tickets or information visit out website www.pittsfielddukes.com
or call 447-DUKE (3853).
The Dukes appreciate your support. GO DUKES!!!
