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!!!
