RECORDS: Cleary University (23-30-1) | College of St. Joseph's VT (26-22)
LOCATION: East Field Park in Glens Falls, NY
IN BRIEF: With a huge four run inning in the fifth inning, The College of St. Joseph's Vermont advanced to the National Championship game after defeating Cleary University 5-0 in the elimination bracket final.
HOW THEY SCORED: After four and a half scoreless innings, St. Joseph's VT broke the game wide open in the fifth, scoring four runs on four hits. Tommy Grant led off the inning with a single to left center and was pinch run for by Jesus Salcedo. Mauricio Rondon grounded out, advancing Salcedo to second base. Derek Edge singled with one out to score the first run of the ball game. John Loschiavo followed that up with a single to center field and Nick Rodriguez hit a single of his own to load the bases. Jared Morello walked to score the second run of the game. After a pitching change by the Cougars, Tyler Kunzmann walked for another run and Brian Quezada flied to right field to score Loschiavo.
The Fighting Saints added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth inning behind an error by Cleary. With two early outs in the inning, Edge hit a sharp ground ball past the pitcher and into center field. Loschiavo grounded to third in the next at bat and both runners advanced into scoring position on an errant throw. After Nick Rodriguez was intentionally walked, the Cougars walked Morello to push another run through.
BEHIND THE BOX SCORE: Despite struggling early, junior pitcher Jovan Henriquez went the distance, throwing seven innings with six hits and six strike-outs. Four of the Cougars' six hits were given up in the first three innings, stranding six in that timeframe. Cleary had ten runners left on base in the game.
Senior shortstop Nick Rodriguez remained hot in the game, going 2 for 3 in the game with a walk and a run. Despite going hitless in the game, Morello had two RBIs for the Fighting Saints.
NEXT UP: Cleary University is eliminated from the tournament after winning four games after their round one loss to Apprentice School. They finish 3rd in the Small College World Series. College of St. Joseph's VT advances to play the Apprentice School in the National Championship game The first title game will be played at 2:30pm. Should Apprentice lose, the final championship game will be played at approximately 5:30pm.
