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| Eastrn Connecticut State athletics photo |
SALEM, Va. - Eastern Connecticut State University put together a near-perfect game and pounded Montclair State, 16-1, in the Division III Baseball Championship title game May 27 in Salem, Virginia.
Eight of the nine Eastern Connecticut starters collected at least one hit, and the Warriors stroked eight doubles in an 18-hit attack. Starting pitcher Scott Czerwinski picked up his second victory in as many starts during the championship series as he allowed only four hits in seven innings of work.
The bottom third of the Warriors lineup was especially productive as Chris D'Amato, Steven Rembisz and Anthony Formato were a collective eight-for-12 with two doubles, five runs scored and eight runs batted in.
The national championship was the third for head coach Bill Holowaty in his 30 years at Eastern Connecticut State. The Warriors also won NCAA championships in 1990 and 1982.
"This year is very special," said Holowaty, whose career record is 856-326-4. "These kids made it a goal to win the national championship. They worked hard and they got what they deserved. It's the best group of kids, parents, fans and coaches. I'm very proud of them."
Leading 1-0 after three innings, Eastern Conn State broke the game open with a five-run fourth after two were out. Rembisz doubled in Lance Podlesney, who also had doubled. The next three batters -- Formato, Jonathan Krot and Nick Tempesta -- all reached safely and drove in four more runs.
The Warriors struck again with four runs in the sixth and two more in the seventh. Rembisz drove in his third run of the game in the sixth and finished the game four-for-six with a team-high four runs batted in.
"Eastern Conn State is just an outstanding baseball team, and really deserves to win the national championship," said Montclair State coach Norm Schoenig. "They played outstanding all tournament. In both games against us they were exceptional."
D'Amato, who hit .786 in five games (11-for-14) with three doubles and six RBIs, was voted the tournament's most outstanding player.
Joining D'Amato on the all-tournament team were teammates Czerwinski and pitcher Scott Chiasson. Also named to the team were first baseman Shawn McCorkle; outfielder Dan Wydner; and designated hitter Frank Francia from Montclair State. Catcher Billy Bacon and outfielder Scott Wesson made the squad from Cortland State, while shortstop Brian Horn and outfielder Erik Morrell from Wisconsin-Oshkosh, and third baseman Tim Bontrager of Anderson also were named to the team.
Eastern Conn State finished its championship season with a 40-11 record, while Montclair State was 35-11-1.
All-Tournament Team
MVP - Chris D'Amato, Eastern Conn State
Catcher - Billy Bacon, Cortland State
First Base - Shawn McCorkle, Montclair State
Second Base - Chris D'Amato, Eastern Conn State
Third Base - Tim Bontrager, Anderson
Shortstop - Brian Horn, Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Outfield - Eric Morrell, Wisconsin-Oshkosh; Scott Weston, Cortland State; Dan Wydner, Montclair State
Designated Hitter - Frank Francia, Montclair State
Pitcher - Scott Czerwinski, Eastern Conn State; Scott Chiasson, Eastern Conn State