NASHUA, N.H. - The Western New England College baseball team blanked Johnson & Wales University 10-0 to move closer to the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Tournament title Saturday afternoon (April 28) at Holman Stadium. The game ended in the bottom of the eighth via the 10-run mercy rule.

Senior pitcher Eric Smolin (Westford, MA) allowed only four hits (all singles) and senior third baseman Josh Jacobs (Essex Junction, VT) homered for the second straight game to lead the Golden Bears into the championship round on Sunday.

Smolin, a right-hander, struck out one and walked two in winning for the sixth time in seven decisions. Jacobs, who didn't have a homer until last Thursday against Rivier in the GNAC Tournament, gave the Blue and Gold a 1-0 lead with a solo blast in the first and added a two-run single in the fifth.

Senior catcher Stephan Hanjack (Enfield, CT) also had two hits, including a double, along with two runs and two RBI.

Sophomore left fielder Mike Beck (Whitesboro, NY) came up with a key three-run double in a five-run third inning that extended the lead to 6-0.

The Golden Bears also took advantage of 12 walks in running their winning streak to 11 games. 

Western New England College (24-8) will meet tonight's Suffolk/JWU winner at noon Sunday (April 29) at Holman Stadium needing only one win to capture the GNAC Tournament and the automatic invitation to the NCAA Division III Tournament.