Galloway, N.J. (4/23/16) – The Kean University baseball team took over first place in the NJAC standings with a sweep of Stockton University on Saturday afternoon.
Kean (22-12, 11-3 NJAC) won by a 6-5 mark in the opener (which was delayed by rain) and posted an 8-2 win in eight innings in the nightcap (shortened by darkness).
Senior Sal Taormina tied the program mark of career doubles in the sweep, picking up double #49. He is currently tied with former first baseman Aaron Richard.
Game One
The Cougars struck first with two runs in the fourth. Rookie Brian Cole had a bases-loaded two RBI single to drive in Matt Krupa and Taormina. Kean added on to that lead with a single run in the sixth as Ryan Reitmeyer lofted his first homerun of the season.
The Ospeys chipped away with a single run in the sixth off a solo shot from Nick LaPorta. Stockton tied it up at three-all in the seventh with a two-out, two RBI single from Zach Gustities, plating two unearned runs.
Kean took the lead for good in the top of the ninth as Frank Urso reached via a hit-by-pitch. Reitmeyer bunted Urso to second and reached himself after a throwing error by the Ospreys. Urso then crossed the plate after stealing third and advancing on another miscue by Stockton. Later in the inning, senior Chris Amato tacked on another with an RBI single and classmate Ryan Kelley rounded out the scoring with an RBI single, scoring Amato.
Stockton threatened in their last at-bat, plating two with a two-out, RBI single but rookie Ian Fitzgerald was able to close the door for this second save in as many days with a strikeout to end the game.
Freshman Tyler Hopman improved to 5-0 after tossing eight innings allowing two earned runs and seven hits with four strikeouts and two walks.
Game Two
Kean was in the driver's seat for the entire second game, putting up a three-spot in the second inning. Senior Andy Lopez got things going with a double and Krupa brought him home with an RBI single. Later in the inning, Cole delivered with a two RBI single.
Leading 4-1 heading into the eighth Kean sealed the win with a four run inning. Kelley provided an RBI single and Taormina tied the doubles mark with a two RBI hit down the line. Urso rounded out the scoring with a sac fly.
In all the Cougars pounded out 15 hits as Taormina finished game two with a 3-for-5 performance with three RBI while five other starters each collected two hits apiece.
Southpaw Mike Occhi improved to 2-1 with the win. He allowed one run in six and two thirds innings of work. Rookie Kyle Gaeb earned his second save of the year with one and a third innings of one hit, one run ball.
Kean returns to NJAC action on Thursday when they host Rowan University.