Auburndale, Fl – Freshman
Owen McHugh's first start on the bump was a good one and the Williams bats came alive as the Ephs (2-2) notched their first win on their spring break trip, a 15-11 victory over the Worcester State Lancers (0-4).
Luca Lopetrone drove in five runs on two hits. Lopetrone hit a grand slam to deep left field in the third inning to follow his sacrifice fly in the first. Sasha Palma was next with four runs driven in. Palma was 2-5 with two singles, both to the right side of the outfield.
The top of the third was friendly to the Ephs, as they scored five runs on three hits, including Lopetrone's grand slam to left field, and Mike Giove hit a sacrifice fly to left, scoring one run.
Worcester State threatened late, scoring six runs on three hits in the bottom of the sixth inning, but the Ephs added another set of runs late to widen the gap enough for the win. Palma and Brendan Stannard each knocked two-run singles through holes in the infield, capitalizing on costly walks by Worcester State.
McHugh earned the win for Williams, surrendering only two hits and no runs over four and one-third innings and adding seven strikeouts. Jake Jeffries, Michael Amendola, and JH Vaughan each appeared in relief for the Ephs, and Lopetrone came in from center field to close the game on the bump. The Lancers almost came back in the bottom of the ninth, but Lopetrone slammed the door as the final batter grounded out to Palma at second.
Williams collected 11 hits in the game. Palma, Lopetrone, and Henry Juan each collected two hits, and Stannard added with three walks. Overall, the team had patience at the plate, tallying seven walks for the game. Ryan Nakajima and Lopetrone each stole multiple bases for Williams. The Ephs ran wild on the base paths, piling up six total stolen bases for the game.
Next up Williams will play the Lawrence University Vikings on Tuesday at 1 PM in Davenport, Florida.
