Back to Back Tough Luck Losses for Lions' Pitchers

Nick Kelly went nine strong innings on Saturday afternoon against Suffolk University (13-2) but would get the no decision in a 10 inning loss.  After allowing just one unearned run through the first 6 innings, Kelly gave up a lead off double in the top of the 7th.  With the tying run on second base, Kelly got the Suffolk DH JC Collette to fly out to center for the first out.  The next batter, third baseman Mike Muse, singled up the middle to tie the game.  Kelly quickly settled back down and retired the next two batters in order to keep the score tied at two. 

In the bottom of the 7th, freshman Jim Cain worked a walk and then stole second base.  Unfortunately, Suffolk reliever Frank Tierney would bear down and strike out the next three Lions hitters.  After 1-2-3 innings in both halves of the 8th, Kelly would allow two singles in the top of the ninth before recording a huge strikeout followed by a pop out to end the threat.  In the bottom of the 9th, Zach Dean would work a two out walk and advance to second on a wild pitch, and then to third on an infield single by Cal Ciarcia, but both runners would be stranded as Tierney came up with another big strike out to end the inning.

Junior Andy Brightman was tasked with replacing Kelly and facing the top of the Suffolk order to start the 10th.  He surrendered two runs on a walk and a couple singles, and Tierney made the 4-2 lead hold up.  Kelly went nine innings, allowing just one earned run on six hits with seven strikeouts and no walks.

On Tuesday, Freshman Jack Capotorto continued his streak of great outings in a complete game 4-1 loss at Massachusetts Maritime Academy.  In eight innings, he allowed just two earned runs on six hits, one walk, and two strikeouts.  Unfortunately, the Emerson bats never came alive, as the Lions were held to one run on five hits.  For the second start in a row, Capotorto was pegged with the tough luck loss in a great performance.  In his last four outings, Jack has thrown 18.2 innings, allowing five earned runs, striking out seven and only walking one batter.

The pitching is certainly coming around; now the offense needs to step it up and back the staff up.  The Lions continue GNAC play this evening in Standish, ME as Emerson takes on St. Josephs College (ranked 21st in the nation) in a double header beginning at 4:15PM.