by Vinny Messana
There’s a reason they regularly work on the mundane task of base running. It can be the difference in ballgames, and today it set the tone early on.
Leadoff man Toby Handley smacked a single to right center, advanced two bases on a wild pitch and came around to score on an RBI single by first baseman Andruw Gazzola. The Sea Wolves never looked back, and defeated St. Peter’s 7-3.
“That’s what you clearly want out of your leadoff guy,” said Head Coach Matt Senk. “Somebody that’s going to be a catalyst for you and he was that today. He came back from 0-2 count to start the game, ran the bases well. We need more of that from Toby. He’s actually coming off a 4-for-4 game down in Elon. Toby is going to be important for us,” he added.
Starting pitcher Bret Clarke was sharp for the most point, throwing five innings, allowing two ER while striking out four for his second victory of the young season. Senk is very pleased with what he’s seen from his young hurler.
“Bret, obviously, has a terrific arm,” he said. “It’s just about getting innings and experience at this level. He’s got to learn to channel his adrenaline. He tries to be a little too much at times, but everything is there. He’s got a real good body that’s only going to get bigger and stronger. The arm strength is there, he’s got a live arm and a plus breaking ball. We’re real excited about what Bret’s going to do for us,” he added.
Casey Baker, senior, also had a strong performance.
He went 2-for-2 with two walks, two runs scored and an RBI. Catcher David Real and left fielder Joe Baran also compiled two hits for the Sea Wolves, who finished with 10 on the afternoon.
After Clarke was lifted from the game, Tim Knesnik came in a threw three innings of quality relief, allowing one ER in the eighth inning on an RBI single. Handley made it a close play, though, he unleashed a strong throw but it came up just short.
With the victory, the Sea Wolves improve to 4-7 on the season. They will be back in action tomorrow at 2:30pm against Villanova.
