PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - Senior centerfielder Garrison Ward (Wyckoff, NJ) starred both offensively and defensively, and senior Mike Richardson (Hanover, MA) pitched eight strong innings to lead the Western New England College baseball team to a much-needed 7-2 victory over Bowdoin College Wednesday afternoon (Mar. 21) at the Port Charlotte Invitational.

Ward slugged a pair of two-run homers and had a double along with five RBI for the Golden Bears. He also collected seven putouts, including a diving catch that ended the eighth.

Richardson, meanwhile, was outstanding in his first appearance of the season allowing only six hits and two runs while striking out nine with no walks.

Senior first baseman Tom Horgan (Westfield, MA) contributed three singles while senior catcher Stephen Hanjack (Enfield, CT) had a pair of hits and two runs.

Freshman rightfielder Steve Kearney (Glastonbury, CT) also had two hits, including a triple, and was on base four times in five plate appearances from his lead-off position. 

Bowdoin second baseman Chris McCann had three hits while designated hitter Jason Koperniak had a single and homer. 

Western New England College (3-4) will face Otterbein, Ohio (8-2) at 11:30 a.m. Thursday (Mar. 22). The Cardinals were ranked first in the NCAA Division III pre-season poll.