Game 1 Box / Game 2 Box
TROY, N.Y. – Senior Jason Pollard (Hudson, NY/Hudson) had five hits, including a grand-slam in game one to propel #16 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) to a doubleheader sweep of Union College, defeating the Dutchmen, 14-7 & 21-6, in Liberty League baseball action at Robison Field. The Red Hawks improve to 17-7 overall and 6-4 in the league while Union falls to 5-16 and 5-9 in the Liberty League.
Rensselaer broke open a close game (5-3) with nine runs in the fifth inning of game one. Among the highlights were a two-run single by senior Ken Carroll (Shelton, CT/Fairfield Prep) and a grand slam by Pollard. Pollard, who started the inning when he was hit by a pitch, went 2 for 2 with two runs scored and five RBI in the game.
RPI starter Luke Calzone (Bethel, CT/Bethel) picked up the win allowing three runs on five hits through six innings. He also struck out five and walked three. Senior Ian Titcomb (Norwood, MA/Xaverian Brothers) earned the save, pitching an inning of relief.
For the Dutchmen, leftfielder Kyle Murphy (Plymouth, MA/Phillips Andover Academy) went 2 for 4 with two runs scored and sophomore Josh McKelligan (Canton, MA/Salisbury School) delivered a three-run home run in the top of the ninth. Freshman Scott Coblyn (Sherborn, MA/Dover-Sherborn) took the loss allowing ten runs on ten hits in 4.0 innings.
In the nightcap, Union jumped out to a 3-0 lead behind an RBI single from sophomore Ryan Bowes (Hamilton, NJ/The Peddie School). The Red Hawks answered in the bottom of the frame, taking a 4-3 lead which included an RBI double by sophomore Dan Feenan (Clifton Park, NY/Shenedehowa).
Rensselaer exploded for eight runs on eight hits in the bottom of the fourth to take a commanding 14-4 lead. Four different batters posted RBI singles in the inning, which was capped by a two-run double by junior Dan Valentine (Goshen, CT/Avon Old Farms).
Pollard went 3 for 4 with two runs scored and junior Matt Muscatiello (Kinderhook, NY/Ichabod Crane) went 2 for 3 with three runs. Freshman Andrew Mondo (Clifton Park, NY/Shenendehowa) earned the win for the Red Hawks, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits in 5.0 innings. He also had two strikeouts.
Offensively for the Dutchmen, freshman Colin McKelligan (Canton, MA/Salisbury School) went 2 for 3 with two RBI. Junior Mike Donovan (Trumbull, CT/Trumbull) suffered the loss for Union, allowing six runs on seven hits in three innings pitched.
The Red Hawks return to action on Tuesday afternoon with a home doubleheader against Clarkson at Robison Field. First pitch is at 1:30pm. Union is also in action on Tuesday when it hosts SUNY IT at 4pm.
