SCOTTSDALE, AZ. -- Faced with what essentially was a must-win situation, the Williams College baseball team turned to first year hurler Thomas Murphy Saturday.
The rookie did not let his Eph teammates down, tossing a complete-game six-hitter as the Ephs rolled to an 8-1victory in the nightcap of a doubleheader with Middlebury. The Panthers won Saturday's first game, 4-3, and took took the series, two games to one.
Williams heads home 5-9 overall, 1-2 in the conference. The Ephs host Keene State Wednesday at 4 p.m.
After Middlebury notched a walk-off win in game one, Murphy engaged in an old-fashioned pitcher's duel with his Panther counterpart in the nightcap. The game was tied 1-1 entering the top of the eighth when Eph senior Ben Oliva sparked a rally with a pinch-hit single. Kirby Neuner sacrificed Oliva to second. Darren Hartwell then roped a triple to right and scored on a throwing error on the play, giving Williams a 3-1 lead.
The Ephs broke the game open with a five-run ninth inning. Andrew Bishop had an RBI-single and Hartwell a two-run double. Luke Pierce capped the inning with a two-run single. Hartwell finished 2 for 3 with three RBI, three runs scored and a stolen base. Cameron Susk was 2 for 5 with an RBI and two defensive gems at shortstop.
Murphy was stellar on the hill, scattering six hits over nine innings and not walking a batter while striking out four.
In game one, Williams trailed 3-2 entering the top of the seventh of a scheduled seven-inning contest. With one out in the Ephs' seventh,Phil McGovern was hit by a pitch. After the second out, Taylor Mondshein singled with two strikes on him. Hartwell, with two outs and two strikes on him, singled home McGovern to tie the game.
Middlebury won the game its half of the seventh. After back-to-back singles to open the frame, a hit batsmen loaded the bases. On a 3-2 pitch, a walk forced in the winning run.
Harry Marino took the loss for Williams, going 6-plus innings and allowing 12 hits and two walks while striking out five.He was charged with four runs, all earned.
