HENNIKER, N.H. - The Western New England College baseball team exploded for 35 runs and 36 hits in easily defeating New England College 21-3 and 14-1 in its final games of the regular season Saturday afternoon (Apr. 26).
After starting the spring with five straight losses at the Greater Phoenix Invitational, the Golden Bears compiled a 27-11 record, including a 17-5 mark for third place in its inaugural season in The Commonwealth Coast Conference. WNEC will compete in the conference tournament beginning on Tuesday (Apr. 29).
Sophomore right-fielder Steve Kearney (Glastonbury, CT) led the 19-hit attack in the opener by going 3-for-3 with a pair of doubles, four RBI, and three runs.
Senior shortstop Ryan Kravontka (Glastonbury, CT) had two hits and three RBI, including a two-run homer in the third.
Junior center-fielder Chris Newell (Wallingford, CT) had a single, double, and three RBI while freshman Ryan Dudzinski (Bristol, CT) added a pair of doubles with three RBI and a pair of runs after replacing Newell in the lineup.
Junior pitcher Bryan Calzone (Bethel, CT) allowed six hits and a run with eight strikeouts and a walk in five innings to raise his record to 5-4.
The Golden Bears jumped to 5-0 after three innings in the second game and coasted to the victory behind the strong pitching of freshman Evan Michaud (Windsor Locks, CT) who remained unbeaten at 4-0. He gave up only four hits and no runs with three strikeouts and a walk.
Senior Travis Schwamb (West Springfield, MA) and junior left-fielder Mike Beck (Whitesboro, MA) each went 3-for-5 with a homer and two runs. Beck also had three RBI while Schwamb drove in two runs.
Sophomore second baseman Justin Walz (Groton, CT) and sophomore designated hitter Joe Griglun (Southington, CT) each had four hits in the twinbill.
New England College sophomore second baseman Mike Caravella (Milford, NH) and sophomore shortstop Scott Miller (Hillsborough, NH) each had four hits in the two games as well.
The Pilgrims finish their season with a 7-26 record and 2-20 league mark.
