POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — The series opener between the Quinnipiac Bobcats and the Marist Red Foxes took place Friday, April 10. The Bobcats came into this series 14-16 all-time against the Red Foxes; however, they were just 2-11 on the road. On the bump for the Bobcats was senior James Pazdera, and the Red Foxes started Will Taylor.
After the game, Quinnipiac head coach John Delaney talked about Taylor, “He’s one of the best pitchers in the conference, he’s good in high-pressure spots, and he commands his pitches.”
Early in the first inning, Quinnipiac had two leadoff hits by freshman star Caden Williamson and junior Jack Balcer. They would continue the early pressure on Taylor as Alex Irizarry would take a walk to load the bases.
The Bobcats continued their patience in the batter’s box as James Marino would get drilled by a pitch to the upper body, putting Quinnipiac up 1-0. The Bobcats ended the top of the first up 2-0 after Kyle Garbowksi ground out to second, drawing in the second run of the game.
But the Red Foxes would fight back as Nathan Lincoln ripped a two-out single to make this a one-run game. Lincoln leads the Red Foxes in RBI with 32 on the season.
Both teams showed patience at the plate as Marist drew a two-out walk, which set up the Red Foxes’ Scott Espostio, who made no mistake with another single past the infielder to knot this up at two. Marist would have a chance to take the lead, but strand runners at first and third.
Marist was forced to go to the bullpen early as Taylor exited the second inning due to an arm injury after two consecutive strikeouts. It was Marist’s offense that picked up reliever Logan Scholl early, as AJ Brotz got RBIs 17 and 18 on the season, to give Marist their first lead of the game, 4-2.
In the fifth inning, Quinnipiac’s small ball bunt advanced runners to second and third with one out. Quinnipiac threatened once again as they drew a walk to load the bases.
First-year infielder Peyton Vancas worked a full count and walked to cut the lead to 4-3. Quinnipiac would continue a common trend, putting the ball in play for a forceout at third; however, Marist made a massive mental mistake by throwing home. Quinnipiac would beat out the relay home to tie this game up at four.
In the bottom of the sixth, Delaney went to the bullpen as they brought in southpaw JC Franconere. Not the start Franconere wanted, as he instantly gave up three consecutive singles, including an RBI single by TJ Baer, raising his batting average to .322 and his RBI total to 14.
The sixth-inning showdown continued as Ramsey, NJ native Luke Monico stole third on a throw that was in time, but his swim move evaded the tag, setting up second and third with no outs. Quinnipiac head coach John Delaney protested the call, furious at the safe call. The Bobcats’ struggles continued as a two-out single that bounced just fair off the first-base line blew the game open for Marist, as Franconere gave up three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.
Delaney talked about Franconere’s effort, “Yeah, they were ambushed. I don’t know what their plan was, approach was, but they got the bat on the ball.”
Quinnipiac had its best offensive chance of the game with bases loaded and one out. Maryland transfer Cole Constable had a chance to get the Bobcats back in this one, but he hit into a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning.
Into the ninth inning, Quinnipiac had one last opportunity to bring this game within reach, as James Marino laced a ball that looked like it went over the fence but was ruled a double.
The replay would end up showing it hit off Marist’s right fielder Michael Mayhugh’s glove after the top of the wall. Delaney’s team would not go down without a fight as the very next batter, the ball bounced in dirt on a throw over, and the Bobcats hustle from third to home draws in the last run of the game, as Marist would take the first of three 7-5.
Both teams showcased their small-ball ability throughout; the plate discipline battle went to Marist, as they outwalked the Bobcats eight to three.
Quinnipiac will return to Poughkeepsie, NY on Saturday at noon as they look to even out the series.
