MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – Battling overcast skies and steady drizzle, the Queens College baseball team squared off against Adelphi University on day two of the Northeast Challenge.
Queens controlled the contest from the outset, outhitting the Panthers 8–4 behind a strong offensive showing led by senior shortstop
Nick Piazza (Queens, N.Y.) three-hit performance
(3-3 AB, BB, R), and junior catcher
Thomas McElwee (West Islip, N.Y.) (2-4 AB, 2R) multi-hit day to go with two runs scored. While the trio of rookie center fielder
John Harkins (Babylon, N.Y.) (1-3 AB, 2RBI, BB, R, SB), senior third baseman
Connor Waiting (Seaford, N.Y.) (1-3 AB, RBI, R, BB), and junior left fielder
Michael Vilardi (Massapequa, N.Y.) (1-3 AB, R) combined for three hits, three RBI and three runs scored. The duo of sophomore second baseman
Tommy Pasqua (Williston Park, N.Y.) and senior right fielder
Vincent Mallon (Massapequa, N.Y.) combined for three RBI.
On the mound, senior left-hander
Robert Nunez (Manhattan, N.Y.) and rookie right-hander
Noah Kirwin (Manorville, N.Y.) combined for a composed effort, limiting Adelphi to just four hits and two runs while striking out six. Nunez earned his first victory of the season, and Kirwin locked down the save.
GAME RECAP
Nunez set the tone early with two scoreless innings, allowing Queens to break through in the bottom of the second. With two outs and the bases loaded, Pasqua drew a walk to give the Knights a 1-0 advantage.
Queens added to its lead in the third when Waiting lined an RBI single to right, extending the margin to 2-0.
Adelphi capitalized on a defensive miscue in the fourth to trim the deficit, but the Knights quickly answered. Mallon brought home Pasqua, and Harkins later crossed the plate on a passed ball to push the lead to 4-1.
Adelphi again threatened in the fifth, loading the bases, but Nunez worked out of trouble to preserve the two-run cushion.
Queens seized momentum in the home half of the inning, with Pasqua delivering a bases-loaded RBI before Harkins ripped a two-run single through the left side, stretching the lead to 7-2.
Kirwin made his first appearance of the season and was dominant, tossing two shutout innings with five strikeouts, including striking out the side in the seventh.
Holding an 8-2 lead entering the eighth inning, the game was called off due to lightning and heavy rain, giving Queens an 8-2 victory.
With worsening weather conditions, Queens' final game of the weekend was canceled.
Next Pitch
Queens returns home to host Franklin Pierce University Ravens for a four-game series. More details will be announced later.
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