KINGS POINT, N.Y. – In a thrilling doubleheader to wrap up their season, the Mount Saint Mary College baseball team battled the United States Merchant Marine Academy Mariners. The Knights emerged victorious in a close-fought opening game but ultimately fell short in the second contest.
Game 1: Knights Prevail in Pitchers' Duel
Liam Horan starred for the Knights in the first game, delivering a complete-game gem. He masterfully limited the Mariners' offense to just 2 hits over 7 innings while striking out 7 batters. The offensive support came in the sixth inning, Frederick Ocasio was hit by a pitch and then William Reese Kelly ripped a double which scored Ocasio for the game's only run.
The Knights' defense held strong, backing the great work that Horan was doing on the mound. Richard Lamping and Shane Finch also contributed offensively, with Lamping doubling and drawing a hit-by-pitch, while Finch added a single and was also hit by a pitch.
Game 2: Mariners Pull Away
The second game saw a shift in momentum as the Mariners' bats came alive. Though the Knights fought hard with Frank Signorelli, Ryan Lutinski, and Noah Anderson each notching singles, they couldn't match the Mariners' offense. The Mariners ultimately pulled away with a decisive 10-0 victory.
Season Recap
The Knights conclude their 2024 campaign with a record of 11-29 overall and 5-15 in the Skyline Conference. Head Coach Trevor Purcell praised his team's resilience: "This was a challenging season, but I'm proud of the way our guys competed. We faced some tough competition, but the team never gave up. I'm excited about what we have coming back and I'm already looking forward to next year."