Oswego Out-Lasts Tufts In 1-0 Pitchers' Duel
Lakers' starter Robert Donnelly throws a complete-game six-hitter with nine strikeouts; righ fielder John Barnes plates the lone run of the game in the eighth inning with an RBI single.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Oswego starting pitcher Robert Donnelly threw a complete-game six-hitter with nine strike outs as the top-seeded Lakers eliminated fourth-seeded Tufts on the second day of the NCAA Division III Baseball New York Regional, hosted by Onondaga Community College.
Donnelly out-dueled Tufts starter John Casey, who took the hard-luck, complete-game loss after only allowing four hits and the lone run in the eighth inning while striking out seven Lakers.
Casey held Oswego (30-8) without a hit until the fifth inning, only allowing three hits heading into the decisive eighth. Laker center fielder Wes Randall drew a lead-off walk and advanced to second on a passed ball. Randall then advanced to third on a wild pitch before right fielder John Barnes dropped a two-out single into short center field to plate Randall.
Tufts' best scoring opportunity came in the sixth inning after shortstop Christian Zazzali lead-off with a single to center. After right fielder Oscar Kutch was hit by a pitch, a wild pitch to third baseman Tommy O'Hara moved the runners to second and third with one out. However, Donnelly struck out O'Hara and induced first baseman Nick Falkson to ground out to third base to avoid any damage.
Tufts (30-10-1) threatened again in the bottom of the eighth. Zazzali led off with an infield hit to deep third base. With two outs, O'Hara hit a line drive that glanced off the Oswego first baseman's glove into foul territory as Zazzali advanced all the way to third on the play. However, Falkson grounded out to Donnelly to end the inning.
Oswego improved to 2-0 in the regional and awaits the winner of Friday's third game between second-seeded Southern Maine and third-seeded The College of New Jersey.
