Seven
Straight, as the Dukes Fall to Danbury 12-7
Pittsfield, Mass. (Friday June 15, 2007) – The Dukes scored
in the bottom of the first, taking only their second lead of
the season, but it would not last long as the Westerners
pounded out 12 runs 14 hits at Wahconah Park.
Yadiel Lanzo (Keystone College) got the ball for the Dukes
and struggled as he lasted only three innings, giving up
four runs on four hits, he walked one and struck out two. He
did not factor in the decision as Jack Bender (Georgetown
University) struggled to find his control, as he allowed
five runs in just two-thirds of an inning, walking two and
striking two out, and failing to have good command of many
of his pitches. He was saddled with his first loss of the
season.
Offensively the Dukes had their best output of the season
putting up seven runs on 10 hits, scoring in five different
innings. The Dukes had what appeared to be a rally going in
the bottom of the fourth when Nelson Gomez (Keystone
College) lined a double to the base of the wall in
leftfield, and was followed by another wall shot by Chester
Wilson (Southern Utah University), plating Gomez and cutting
the Danbury lead to 9-4. Phil Cerreto (Longwood University)
lined and RBI single into right field and the Dukes were in
business; two runs across, a runner on first, and no outs.
The next batter was Jeff Rustico (American International
College) drilled the first offering from Danbury starter
Doug Hurn (Oklahoma Baptist) right back to the right handed
hurler. Hurn extended his glove towards the third base line,
snagging Rustico’s drive and turning to first where he
flipped on to double up Cerreto and kill the Dukes’ rally in
its tracks.
Making a solid appearance out of the Dukes’ bullpen was
lefthander Ryan Watson (Harvard University). In three and a
third innings worked, Watson did not give up a run on two
hits, struck out three and walked just one. In his only
other appearance this season Watson did not record an out
and allowed one earned run.
The Dukes will be back at Wahconah Park Sunday night as they
search for the elusive first win against the Manchester
Silkworms at 7 p.m.
Season tickets for the Dukes are still available. Tickets
can be purchased online at www.pittsfielddukes.com or by
calling (413) 447-DUKE.
The Dukes appreciate your support. GO DUKES!!!
