Union, N.J. (2/22/13) – The #7 Kean University baseball team pounded out 11 runs and 13 hits in the season opener, sailing past the College of Mt. St. Vincent, 11-2, Friday afternoon.

Sophomore Charles Thielmann picked up the win after a seven inning outing.  He fanned nine and allowed just three hits and one run.  Rookie Keith Brodesser led the Dolphins with two of their four hits on the afternoon.

The Cougars (1-0) jumped on the board in their first at-bat as Kean took advantage of two miscues by Mt. St. Vincent.  Senior Nick Ramagli drove in the first run of the day with a single up the middle.

After plating two more in the fourth, Kean broke the game open with a four run fifth.  With two outs, pinch-hitter Anthony Fischetti drove a single down the line putting runners at the corners.  A walk from Ramagli would load the bases, and junior Joe O'Connor took advantage, knocking in two.  Junior Nick Zucchero kept the pressure on, and cleared what was left on the bases with a two-run double in the gap, giving Kean a 7-0 lead.

The Dolphins (0-1) broke up the shutout in their half of the seventh as junior Mike Esposito lined a one-out double down the leftfield line, scoring rookie Tyler Krolikowski, who reached on a walk.

Kean added insurance with a three spot on the bottom of the same inning.  Freshman Ryan Kelley provided the big blow, a two-out, two RBI double.

Zucchero finished 3-for-4 with three RBI, while O'Connor was 2-for-3 with three RBI as well.  In all, 23 Cougars saw action in the opener.

Senior Mike McManus suffered the loss for the Dolphins.  McManus (0-1) allowed seven runs, five earned, and seven hits in five innings of work. 

The Cougars return to action with a scheduled matchup against The College at Brockport on Saturday at 11 a.m.  Should weather affect the contest, updates will appear on keanathletics.com