The New York University baseball team defeated John Jay College 12-1 at MCU Park in Brooklyn, NY, on Tuesday, April 12.
Michael Vokulich took the mound for the Violets (11-13) and went 7.0 innings to notch his first victory of the season. The right-hander gave up only one hit and allowed one earned run while striking out six Bloodhounds (8-18).
"He made quality pitches and had pitcher's counts," said Head Coach Dou Kimbler. "When you do that, you are going to be successful."
The Violets came out swinging as they grabbed the early lead in the bottom of the first. Taking advantage of a walk and an error,
Adrian Spitz then stepped up to the plate and smacked a three-run home run over the leftfield wall. Leading 3-0,
Colman Hendershot continued the offensive rally with a double to deep left center followed by a single from
Jonathan Iaione. Hendershot scored on a second Bloodhound error and Iaione on a sacrifice fly by
CJ Picerni. The Violets found themselves quickly leading 5-0.
Following a pitching change, John Jay began to settle into a groove, allowing only one more run over the next two innings on Spitz' second home run of the day.
"It is always great to get a spark in the early innings," continued Kimbler. "And with his home runs today, that is exactly what it did. It got everybody fired up."
After the Bloodhounds put a run across the board in the top of the fifth, NYU's offense quickly responded once again. Following a walk to
Jake Smith and another double from Hendershot, Iaione cleared the bases with a double to deep left center. Later in the inning,
Christian Bloom brought Iaione home on a bunt single to tack on an additional run for the Violets and bring the score to 9-1.
The Violets bats' continued to produce as Spitz reached on a bunt single to start another offensive burst. It was followed by three straight singles from Smith, Hendershot and Iaione and a pair of walks, NYU added on another three runs making the score 12-1.
Matthew Wells and
Eli Edwards each pitched a hitless, scoreless inning of relief to hold the 11-run lead and bring the Violets their 11th win of the season.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Iaione went 3-for-4 with two runs and two RBIs.
- Hendershot also went 3-for-4 with three runs and an RBI.
"Today we squared up and we hit with runners in scoring position," Kimbler said. "Overall, we had a really good day."
NYU will return to the field tomorrow evening, April 13, against SUNY Maritime at MCU Park. Originally scheduled for a 4:00 pm doubleheadher, the Violets and Privateers will now play a single, nine-inning game beginning at 6:00 pm.
