McCann Offense Jumps All Over Commerce
SPRINGFIELD, Mass — One game after scoring three runs in 11 innings, the McCann Tech baseball team exploded for 22 runs in seven frames on Friday to defeat Commerce 22-10 on the road.The Hornets (3-4) pounded out 15 hits in all and chased Red Raiders' starter Juan Torres just two outs into the game. Before the top of the first inning was over, McCann had built an 8-0 lead, one which it would build on by scoring 14 more times over the next six frames. Commerce (0-8) stayed in the game by scoring six runs of its own in the bottom of the first inning, but sophomore starter Mitch Malloy settled down after giving up two more runs in the second. He went on to pitch three consecutive scoreless frames, leaving after the fifth inning with a 17-8 lead. He gave up six hits and six walks with two strikeouts to earn her first win of the year.
"It was a good outing for Mitch," Hornets head coach Pat Ryan said. "A couple of walks, hits and errors in the first inning gave Commerce an opportunity to catch up, but Mitch looked stronger and more confident as the innings passed. We had a good day with the bats, and sophomore Justin Schneider had a great first varsity outing. I am very happy with our young players stepping up and producing runs, playing solid defense and throwing strikes."
Schneider picked up at the plate where Malloy left off on the mound, going 2-for-3 with four RBIs in his first game since being called up from the JV team. He had a pair of two-run singles on the day, one each in both the sixth and seventh innings. Junior John LeClair also went 2-for-6 with a triple, four RBIs and two runs scored, while senior Mike Chappell finished with three hits, one RBI and three runs scored.
Senior Steven Barbeau also came through with two hits, two RBIs and two stolen bases for McCann, which also received two scoreless innings of relief from junior TJ Therrien. He struck out five batters and walked one to slam the door shut on the Raiders.
The Hornets next play at Pathfinder at 4 p.m. on Tuesday.