Wesleyan’s baseball team fell to the Springfield Pride 5-1 on Tuesday.
The Cardinals were hoping to continue fine-tuning their game, finding balance in their lineup, and stepping up defensively in Springfield before starting the second-half of NESCAC league play. Freshman Ben Brooks made his second start of the season, and through the first four innings, Brooks only allowed three runs. He was relieved in the fifth inning by Tim Truncellito ’08 after allowing a leadoff single followed by an RBI double. The inherited runner scored on a sacrifice fly, but Truncellito and Brian Mahr ’07 combined for three scoreless innings afterwards.
Mark Noonan ’08 scored the Cardinals’ only run in the seventh inning on an Adam Kopiec ’07 single to left field.
“It was a tough game, and I’m sure it will give us the attitude and perspective we need to play Middlebury,” Kopiec said.
Despite losing the game, the improved defense—only one error in nine innings of play – was heartening for the team. Heading into the latter half of the season, the Cardinal bats seem to be the strength for the team. Five players are currently batting above .300, contributing to an average of five runs per game.
With playoff hopes still alive and well, the red and black will head to Vermont to face league-rival Middlebury for a Friday afternoon game. On Saturday, the two teams will play a doubleheader to conclude play for the weekend.
“Everyone has worked hard to fit into a role for the team and things are beginning to gel for us as a group,” said Jesse Leavitt ’06. “We need all cylinders to click into place this week so we can take some positive energy up to Middlebury on Friday and give them what we owe them.”
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