June 4, 2002
CLARKSON'S BARCOMB GAINS NATIONAL ACADEMIC RECOGNITION
Clarkson University's All-Star Baseball player Tim Barcomb can add another honor to his list of awards for his career with the Golden Knights. A senior third baseman for the Knights, Barcomb was named to the Verizon National Academic All-America College Division Baseball Team for the third straight year earning first-team accolades in 2002.
Barcomb graduated this May with a bachelor's degree in Bio-Molecular Science while maintaining a 3.971 grade point average. A top player for Clarkson the past three seasons, Barcomb help to lead the Knights as a tri-captain to a school-best 26 wins (26-14 overall record) this spring and a second-place finish in the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) with a 9-3 league mark. The Cadyville, N.Y native played in 38 games this season, hitting for a team-high .352 batting average, while also leading the Green and Gold in walks with 29.
One of 12 student-athletes, and the only player from New York, named to the Verizon Baseball First-Team this season, Barcomb was also a national first-team selection last year and a third-team National Academic All-America in 2000.
Clarkson, which is a member of District I, has had 30 student-athletes earn Verizon Academic All America recognition. Along with Barcomb, three other Golden Knights received honors this year. Grad student Ashton Fritz (Pitman, N.J.) was selected to the second-team of the National Verizon/CoSIDA Academic All-America College Division Basketball Team. Clarkson hockey player, senior David Evans (Sand Lake, N.Y.) was chosen to the Verizon University Division Academic All-District 1 At-Large Team and junior Matt Macaulay (Massena, N.Y.) joined Barcomb has a member of the 2002 Verizon Academic All-America District 1 College Division Baseball First-Team.
May 21, 2002
2002 SEASON RECAP
The Clarkson University Baseball team enjoyed a very successful 2002 campaign, and although the Golden Knights were unable to secure an NCAA postseason berth, they were able to scratch out a school-best 26 wins, including victories over nationally ranked Ithaca and Rensselaer late in the season.
Guided by Jim Kane, who was named UCAA Coach of the Year in his second season at Clarkson, and assistants Todd Kirkey and Matt Nolan, the Knights, who posted a 26-14 record overall, finished second in the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) with a 9-3 league mark. The Knights led the league in fielding percentage with a .961 showing, and finished second in ERA (3.91). As impressive as their defense was, the offense for the Green and Gold produced an average of 6.975 runs per game, second in the league.
Consistency from the corner was the theme for senior Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY). The third baseman earned his third Verizon Academic All-American District 1 award in three years. Tim Barcomb appeared in 38 games for the Green and Gold, batting .352 with eight doubles, 29 walks, and three home runs. Junior Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY) also earned Verizon Academic All-American District 1 honors, and his performance both at the plate and on the field helped lead the Golden Knights to a successful season. Starting all 40 games for Clarkson, Macaulay batted .319, leading the team in hits with 46 and the UCAA in doubles with 14, receiving a UCAA Player of the Week nod for April 1 and earning a place on the UCAA All-Conference First Team along with second-team ABCA/Rawlings All-NYS accolades. Just as impressive as their on-field performance was, both Tim Barcomb and Macaulay performed admirably in the classroom, earning UCAA Spring All-Academic honors.
Rounding out the infield, junior second baseman Nate Markell (Massena, NY) and freshman Brandon Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) received UCAA All-Conference Second Team honors. Batting .339 and appearing in 40 games, Markell posted a near-perfect fielding percentage from second base (.970). The younger Barcomb also had a strong season from the plate, averaging .338 with six home runs, tying the record set last year by his brother Tim, and also collecting a team-high 39 RBI's.
The outfield regulars consisted of senior Brian Demshar (Carrabassett Valley, ME) and juniors Matt Schwind (Hilton, NY) and Chris Tarbox (Tupper Lake, NY). Finishing off a four-year career at Clarkson, Demshar saw action in 39 games for the Golden Knights, batting .283 with 27 hits and 19 RBI's, while his fielding performance was stellar, recording a perfect season from left field. Looking to build on this year's performance, Schwind and Tarbox will return next season strong. The classmates both earned UCAA Spring All-Academic honors.
Junior Brooks McMurry (West Palm Beach, FL) found a recurring role in the designated hitter spot, batting .345 from the dh slot with 39 hits, 25 walks, and 20 RBI's. McMurry led the team in stolen bases this season, going a perfect 12-for-12. Making appearances in the outfield on occasion, McMurry was also perfect on the year in the field.
The tandem of senior Al Begeal (Deposit, NY) and junior Andy Laughlin (Massena, NY) shared time behind the plate this season for the Green and Gold. Begeal appeared in 22 games for Clarkson, batting .179, while Laughlin started 22 games and saw action in a total of 24 contests, hitting .250. The defense was impressive from both catchers, with Laughlin throwing out 14 runners attempting to steal and Begeal doing the same six times.
A plethora of talented pitchers appeared from the freshman class this season. Freshman J.J. Lorence (Liverpool, NY) took home the UCAA Rookie of the Year award for his performance from the mound this season. A UCAA Honorable Mention, the right-hander went 4-2 this season, with five complete games and a shutout, striking out 52 batters through 51.2 innings of work, and only allowing 19 walks, earning UCAA Rookie of the Week honors for April 1. Nick Huffman (Fulton, NY) also earned a postseason awards with a spot on the UCAA All-Conference Second Team and on the third-team of the ABCA/Rawlings All-NYS All-Star squad. The freshman right-hander was the only other Golden Knight to pick up a shutout on the season, leading the team in wins with a 7-2 record and a 3.27 ERA. Huffman was the UCAA Pitcher of the Week and the ECAC Pitcher of the Week for April 9. Andy Noonan (Central Square, NY) led the team this season with 53 strikeouts through 51.0 innings, posting a record of 6-2 and an ERA of 4.06. Dan Hojnacki (Attica, NY) had a 3-3 record this season, however first impressions can be deceiving. The freshman appeared 10 times, with a 2.73 ERA and striking out 34 batters. Opponents only hit .240 against Hojnacki, the lowest of any Golden Knight pitcher.
Freshman Mike Onisk (Baldwinsville, NY) found a recurring role from the bullpen this season, appearing in 14 games for Clarkson. The right-hander went 3-1 on the year, with a 5.66 ERA and posting three saves for the Golden Knights through 20.2 innings. Classmate Matt Shannon (Altamont, NY) also saw action from the pen in a limited role, as the left-hander pitched 7.1 innings, striking out eight batters and finishing with a 2.45 ERA.
Sophomore Josh Karon (South Royalton, VT) will look to take on a leading role for the Knights next season. The right-hander posted a 2.25 ERA with one in through 12.0 innings this season, appearing in just five games. Junior David Wisner (Watertown, NY) finished the year with a 2-2 record, striking out 14 batters and posting a 7.43 ERA. Also looking for a regular role in the Clarkson roster next season are senior Mark Anderson (Leland, MI) and freshman Evan Weaver (LaFayette, NY).
Strong support all-around has been the stories for freshmen Matt Bolye (Buxton, ME) and Giovan Scialdone (Colonie, NY). Bolye played in 19 games for Clarkson, while Scialdone provided relief in the outfield and at the plate, batting .318 through 15 games.
May 17, 2002
LORENCE, KANE RECEIVE UCAA HONORS
Freshman J.J. Lorence (Liverpool, NY) had a stellar first year for the Clarkson University Baseball team, earning the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) Rookie of the Year award from the mound for the Golden Knights, while head coach Jim Kane was named as the UCAA Coach of the Year after leading the 2002 squad to 26 wins, the most in school history.
The righthander Lorence posted a 4-2 record through eight appearances this season, finishing with a 2.70 ERA and one shutout along with five complete games. Lorence averaged 9.14 strikeouts per game for a total of 52 this season, compared with only allowing 19 walks, and earned a UCAA Honorable Mention.
The UCAA Rookie of the Year Award is the fourth that Clarkson has received this season. Freshman Carson Morey (Loveland, OH) took home the rookie award for the Clarkson University Men's Soccer program, Levon Kololyan (Queens, NY) was named the rookie of the year for the Clarkson University Men's Basketball team, and goaltender Joe Zebrowski (Liverpool, NY), roommate of Lorence, earned the rookie award for the Clarkson University Men's Lacrosse yesterday.
Kane wrapped up his second season with the Golden Knights with a 26-win season, the most ever for the program, and it was the third 20-win season in a row for Clarkson. The Green and Gold finished second overall in the UCAA with a 9-3 record.
Junior Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY) earned a spot on the UCAA All-Conference First Team. The shortstop for Clarkson this season finished batting .319, leading the team in hits with 46 and the UCAA in doubles with 14.
UCAA All-Conference Second Team honors were bestowed upon three other Golden Knight players. Freshman pitcher Nick Huffman (Fulton, NY) along with freshman first baseman Brandon Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) and junior Nate Markell (Massena, NY) made the second team. Huffman appeared in 10 games, finishing the season at 7-2 with one shutout and an ERA of 3.27. Brandon Barcomb led the team in RBI's this season with 39, hitting six home runs to tie the record set by his brother Tim the year before. Markell went .339 from the plate this season, with 39 hits and 28 walks.
May 11, 2002
KNIGHTS SPLIT SEASON FINALE WITH RENSSELAER
It was a bittersweet Saturday afternoon for the Clarkson University Baseball team, as the Golden Knights split a twin-bill with Rensselaer, losing the first game and the UCAA title 10-5, but bouncing back in the second game for a 3-2 victory and a school record 26 wins.
Rensselaer scored two runs early in the first inning, but Clarkson responded in its half of the inning with two runs to tie up the game. Junior Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY) scored on an error by the catcher and classmate Nate Markell (Massena, NY) scored on a single down the right field line by senior Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) after singling two batters earlier.
The Red Hawks took the lead once again in the top of the second inning, and they added another run in the top of the fifth inning. Clarkson kept pace with Rensselaer, tying the game once again in the bottom of the fifth. Junior Matt Schwind (Hilton, NY) singled to start the inning, and Macauly reached on a walk. Rensselaer looked to get out of a jam until Brandon Barcomb hit a base hit to right field that drove in both runners. The Green and Gold could not continue the rally, as Brandon Barcomb was called out at second trying to extend his hit into a double.
Rensselaer took the lead for a third time in the top of the sixth with another tally on the board, however the Golden Knights once again came back in the bottom half of the inning to tie the game. Tim Barcomb doubled to start off the inning, moving to third when junior Brooks McMurry (West Palm Beach, FL) laid down a sacrifice bunt. Tim Barcomb made his way home when the next batter, senior Brian Demshar (Carrabassett Valley, ME) hit a long fly ball to right field to bring in the tying run. The Golden Knights looked to be in good position to take the game from the Red Hawks, however Rensselaer broke the game wide open in the top of the seventh, scoring five runs and shutting down the Clarkson offense in the bottom half of the inning for the 10-5 win.
Freshman J.J. Lorence (Liverpool, NY) started on the mound for the Golden Knights, pitching for five innings and striking out three batters. Freshmen Nick Huffman (Fulton, NY) and Dan Hojnacki (Attica, NY) made appearances late in the game in hopes of keeping Clarkson close to Rensselaer, but the Red Hawk offense was able to overcome the trio.
In the second game of the day Rensselaer got on the board early once again, putting a run on the board once again in the first inning. The Golden Knights tied the game in the bottom half of the first when Macaulay scored off a single up the middle by Markell. The Red Hawks kept ahead of the Golden Knights though, scoring once again in the top of the second for a 2-1 lead after two.
Clarkson never gave up hope, as the Green and Gold were able to tie the game at two when they scored in the bottom half of the fifth. Junior Chris Tarbox (Tupper Lake, NY) singled to right field and stole second when the next batter, junior Andy Laughlin (Massena, NY), came to the plate. Although Laughlin was unable to get on base, he was able to move Tarbox to third. Macaulay reached on a walk, and when he moved to steal second, the catcher threw the ball into the outfield, allowing Tarbox to score the tying run.
The Golden Knights took the lead for the first time of the day in the bottom of the sixth inning. Brandon Barcomb singled to right field, moving to second when his brother Tim grounded out to first. Freshman Giovon Scialdone (Colonie, NY) came up big for the Green and Gold, as his single to right field brought Brandon Barcomb home.
Freshman Andy Noonan (Central Square, NY) picked up his sixth win of the season, working 6.1 innings from the mound. Classmate Mike Onisk (Baldwinsville, NY) came in to relieve Noonan in the seventh inning, preserving the win for Clarkson and notching his third save of the season in the process.
Markell went 3-for-7 on the day with an RBI, while Scialdone, who only appeared in the second game, was 1-for-2 with the single that drove in the winning run. Tarbox may have struggled in the first contest of the day, but he turned it around in the second game to go 2-for-2.
At 26-14, Clarkson finishes the regular season in second place in the UCAA, as Rensselaer claimed the title after winning the first game of the day. The 26 wins are the most ever for the baseball program.
May 5, 2002
KNIGHTS SPLIT ROAD DOUBLEHEADER WITH TIGERSA beautiful Sunday afternoon in Western New York saw the Clarkson University Baseball team split a pair of games with the Rochester Institute of Technology, shutting out the Tigers in the first game 2-0 before falling in the mid-afternoon matchup 10-3.
Strong defense and solid pitching by freshman Nick Huffman (Fulton, NY) kept the Tigers off the scoreboard throughout the entire game. Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) and junior Brooks McMurry (West Palm Beach, FL) each had RBI singles for the Knights. Huffman completed his fifth game of the season and tallied a shutout in the process, striking out five batters and walking three while only allowing three hits.
The Golden Knights looked to repeat their first game performance in the second game of the day when they scored three runs in the top of the first inning. Macaulay started the rally off with a single to center field, moving to second on a groundout. Brandon Barcomb connected on his trip to the plate, a two-run shot for his sixth home run of the season, tying his brother Tim's record set last season for total home runs.
RIT kept close pace with Clarkson, scratching out two runs in the bottom half of the first inning, and later on tying the game in the third. RIT broke the game open with three more tallies in the fourth and picked up a pair of runs in both the fifth and sixth innings as they cruised to the 10-3 win.
Tim Barcomb had an outstanding day from the plate, going 5-for-6 on the day with an RBI.
May 4, 2002
CLARKSON SPLITS SERIES WITH ITHACA
Freshman J.J. Lorence (Liverpool, NY) performed remarkably for the Clarkson University Baseball team, as he allowed only one hit and gave up one unearned run in a 3-1 win over Ithaca in the first game, however the Bombers spoiled a sweep opportunity by taking the second game 5-1.
The Golden Knights scored their three runs in the top of the third inning. Junior Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY) hit his second double in as many at bats to start the rally for Clarkson. Junior Matt Schwind (Hilton, NY) reached on a fielding error to score Macaulay, and Schwind was plated later in the inning when senior Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) crushed a pitch over the right field fence, to put Clarkson up 3-0.
Ithaca scored its only run of the game on a botched rundown attempt, as the bomber offense had trouble putting together a rally. Lorence had the no-hitter secure with two outs in the bottom of the seventh until the Bombers picked up their first hit of the game on a ball hit to the left side. Lorence struck out two batters and walked two.
Strong pitching was the key for Ithaca in the second game, as Kyle Sottung struck out eight Clarkson batters while working from the mound. Freshman Andy Noonan (Central Square, NY) started on the mound for the Golden Knights in the second game, with classmate Mike Onisk (Baldwinsville, NY) appearing in the fifth with hopes of keeping Clarkson close to Ithaca in hopes of coming back.
Macaulay was 2-for-4 in the first game with two doubles, and although he was unable to hit safely in the second game, Macaulay made a diving defensive play to catch a line drive that was headed for the outfield. Junior Chris Tarbox (Tupper Lake, NY) also had a strong defensive showing, with a diving catch in center field that spoiled an opportunity for the Bombers. Classmate Brooks McMurry (West Palm Beach, FL) was 2-for-3 in the second game of the day.
April 27, 2002
KNIGHTS SPLIT SERIES WITH BREWERS
The Clarkson University Baseball team hit a snag Saturday against Vassar, as the Golden Knights split the season series against the Brewers, dropping a close first game 2-1 before rebounding in the afternoon matchup 7-1 at Snell Field.
Freshman pitcher Nick Huffman (Fulton, NY) started on the mound for the Green and Gold, striking out five batters and only allowing one walk. Vassar scored its only runs of the game in the top of the second on a two-run shot to left field.
Clarkson struggled from the plate early on in the game, as Vassar's Kristaps Aldins had a strong performance from the mound. The Golden Knights started their rally in the bottom half of the seventh with a pair of singles by senior Brian Demshar (Carrabassett Valley, ME) and classmate Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY). A sacrifice bunt by junior Nate Markell (Massena, NY) moved the runners to third, and a junior Chris Tarbox (Tupper Lake, NY) walk loaded the bases. Clarkson was down to its last out when junior Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY) stepped to the plate, but he was able to make it to first on a fielding error that drove in a run. The Golden Knights could not complete the comeback however, dropping the first game to the Brewers 2-1.
The Green and Gold turned it around in the second game of the day, scoring four runs in the bottom of the second inning. Clarkson put another tally on the board in the fourth when Macaulay was able to reach on a double and then later in the inning score when the pitcher threw the ball away on a pickoff attempt at third. The final runs of the day came in the fifth as the Golden Knights scored another two runs. A walk by Tim Barcomb started the rally in the bottom half of the inning, and he moved to third when Demshar doubled to right center. Both base runners would score when Tarbox and Schwind hit back-to-back singles, putting Clarkson up 7-0 after five.
Freshman Dan Hojnacki (Attica, NY) pitched a full game for Clarkson, allowing just one run and one hit through seven innings of work, striking out six batters in the process, including the side in the fifth. The only run for the Brewers came on a wild pitch in the sixth inning.
Demshar finished the day going 3-for-6 from the plate, while Macaulay was 3-for-7 with two doubles and an RBI. Schwind and Tarbox both went 1-for-3 in the second game of the day, each with 2 RBI's
April 22, 2002
CLARKSON DROPS FIRST UCAA DECISION IN SPLIT WITH UNION
Running the table this season in the UCAA was the plan for the Clarkson University Baseball team, however Union spoiled the opportunity on Sunday when the Golden Knights split a doubleheader with the Dutchmen, losing the first game 4-0 and coming back in the second for a 10-4 win.
Freshman J.J. Lorence (Liverpool, NY) started on the mound for the Green and Gold in the first game, striking out nine batters and only allowing one walk through six innings of work. What Clarkson lacked in offense in the first game, it made up for in the second game on the way to a 10-4 victory.
After scoring the game's first run in the second inning, the Golden Knights put four runs on the scoreboard in the third inning. Union pulled itself back into the game with three runs of its own in the bottom half of the inning, but a five-run seventh for Clarkson put the game out of reach for the Dutchmen.
Freshman Brandon Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) went 3-for-3 on the day with an RBI, while his senior brother Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) was 2-for-3 with three RBI's, and senior Brian Demshar (Carrabassett Valley, ME) went 2-for-4, hitting his first home run of the season to drive in three runners.
Freshman Andy Noonan (Central Square, NY) struck out eight batters through seven innings of work, allowing four hits and six walks.
April 20, 2002
KNIGHTS REMAIN PERFECT IN UCAA
The Clarkson University Baseball team earned a sweep of Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) foe Skidmore on Saturday, as the Golden Knights defeated the Thoroughbreds 8-2 and 5-1, improving to 6-0 in the UCAA and 21-9 overall.
Junior Nate Markell was 2-for-3 in the first game including a two-run shot in the fourth, and freshman Brandon Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) hit his team-leading fifth home run of the season with a solo shot in the fourth. Freshman hurler Nick Huffman (Fulton, NY) remained perfect on the season, pitching for five innings and allowing one earned run on four hits and four walks, striking out two batters in the process.
In the second game of the day, freshman Dan Hojnacki (Attica, NY) pitched a complete game, running his record to 2-2 on the season. Hojnacki allowed one run on two hits with five strikeouts to help the Green and Gold complete the season sweep of Skidmore, and Markell went 2-for-4 with two RBIs while classmate Chris Tarbox (Tupper Lake, NY) went 2-for-4 with an RBI.
Clarkson (21-9, 6-0 UCAA) will look to extend a four-game win streak and remain perfect in the UCAA when it travels to Union College for a doubleheader at noon.
April 17, 2002
CLARKSON BASEBALL COMPLETES SEASON SWEEP OF ST. LAWRENCE
The Clarkson University Baseball team broke open a tight 2-2 game with a three-run two-out rally in the bottom of the seventh en route to a 6-2 victory over North Country rival St. Lawrence University in a nine-inning non-league game at Snell Field on Wednesday afternoon.
Junior co-captain Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY) started the rally when he dragged a bunt down the third base line. Freshman Brandon Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) brought home Macaulay for the go ahead run with his second double of the game, a shot to right center. The Golden Knights, who defeated the Saints for the third time this season, added one more run in the eighth to complete the season sweep of St. Lawrence.
Macaulay was 2-of-3 with a double, two runs scored and an RBI. Barcomb went 2-of-5 with one run scored and an RBI. Freshman Giovan Scialdone (Colonie, NY) also contributed at the plate for the Knights with a 3-of-4 effort, scoring one run and knocking in one RBI. Freshman Andy Noonan (Central Square, NY) picked-up his fourth win of the season in a relief role for the Green and Gold. Through the final three innings, Noonan (4-1) did not allow a run, giving up two hits and two walks while striking out two.
Clarkson, which has won 12 of its last 13 games, owns a 19-9 overall record and will look to reach the 20-win mark for the third consecutive season when it resumes Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) action on the road this weekend. Undefeated in conference action with a 4-0 league mark, the Knights play a doubleheader at Skidmore on Saturday and a twin bill at Union on Sunday.
April 16, 2002
KNIGHTS SPLIT WITH PLATTSBURGH
The Clarkson University Baseball team saw its ten-game win streak snapped on Tuesday against Plattsburgh, as the Golden Knights were unable to mount a comeback against the Cardinals, losing 5-4, before rebounding in the second game of the day with a 5-1 win.
Clarkson fell behind early in the first contest of the day, as junior David Wisner (Watertown, NY) gave up three runs in the first inning to Plattsburgh. The Golden Knights went to the bullpen in hopes of keeping the game in check after the Cardinals put two more runs on the board in the third inning.
The Green and Gold rebounded in the bottom half of the third with two runs of their own. Senior Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) doubled down the right field line to drive in juniors Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY) and Matt Schwind (Hilton, NY), making it a 5-2 game.
Clarkson scored two more runs in the bottom of the sixth. Senior Brian Demshar (Carrabassett Valley, ME) singled to start the inning, and after a walk by junior Chris Tarbox (Tupper Lake, NY), Macaulay hit a single that was fielded improperly, allowing the two base runners to score.
Sophomore Josh Karon (South Royalton, VT) started his first game of the season on the mound for Clarkson in the second game of the day. Although he gave up his first run of the season in the second inning, the Golden Knights responded in the bottom half of the inning when junior Brooks McMurry (West Palm Beach, FL) singled and then made his way home later in the inning off a throwing error by the catcher. Clarkson broke the game open in the fourth inning with a two-run tally. Freshman Brandon Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) started the rally with a single up the middle, and after a single by Demshar, junior Nate Markell (Massena, NY) doubled to left center to bring home Brandon Barcomb. Demshar was able to score on a sacrifice fly by Tarbox that put the Golden Knights up 3-1.
The Golden Knights added some insurance with two more runs in the bottom of the fifth. Macaulay singled to start off the inning, and the combination of a freshman Matt Boyle (Buxton, ME) sacrifice bunt along with a throwing error by the first baseman allowed Macaulay to reach home. The next batter, Tim Barcomb, walked and made it to second when McMurry reached on an error. Brandon Barcomb drove home Tim Barcomb with a sacrifice fly to center field making it a 5-1 game.
Freshman Mike Onisk (Baldwinsville, NY) notched his second save of the season in the win, as he came on in the top of the seventh with two runners on and one out to shut down the Cardinal offense. Macaulay had the strongest performance on the day for Clarkson, going 4-for-6 with two walks and two RBI's.
April 14, 2002
KNIGHTS REMAIN PERFECT IN UCAA WITH SWEEP OF ROCHESTER
The Clarkson University Baseball team ran its winning streak to ten games today, as the Golden Knights swept UCAA foe Rochester by coming from behind in the first game for a 5-4 win and then in the evening game rolling over the Yellow Jackets 14-3.
Clarkson got off to a rocky start in the first game when Rochester scored a run in the first and second inning for a 2-0 lead early. The Golden Knights scratched out a run of their own in the third inning when junior Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY) drove in classmate Chris Tarbox (Tupper Lake, NY), cutting the Yellow Jacket lead to 2-1. In the fourth inning senior Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) doubled to right field to start the inning, and his brother freshman Brandon Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) picked up an RBI when he reached on an error to tie the game at two.
Rochester retook the lead late with a two-run sixth, but the Golden Knights kept the game close in the bottom half of the inning with a leadoff single up the middle by Macaulay. The next batter, junior Matt Schwind (Hilton, NY), followed suit with a single along the right field line that scored Macaulay.
Freshman Dan Hojnacki (Attica, NY) started the game on the mound for the Golden Knights, striking out three batters through six innings of work. The seventh inning was crucial for Clarkson, as the Yellow Jackets put two runners on base, however the freshman tandem of Matt Shannon (Altamont, NY) and Mike Onisk (Baldwinsville, NY) got the Green and Gold out of a jam and back on offense.
Still down by one run in the bottom of the seventh, Clarkson rallied to take the first game in the doubleheader. Senior Brian Demshar (Carrabassett Valley, ME) doubled to right center to start the inning, and after a walk by Nate Markell (Massena, NY), Tarbox singled to bring in Demshar, tying the game at four. Rochester was able to force two Clarkson batters to ground out, but Schwind's at bat made the difference, as he was able to hit safely and score Markell for the 5-4 win.
The Green and Gold scored two runs in the bottom of the first off a Brandon Barcomb double to left center. Costly errors in the second allowed Clarkson to put three more tallies on the board. After Tarbox reached on a throwing error by the shortstop, junior Andy Laughlin (Massena, NY) reached on a fielder's choice and made it to second on another error by the shortstop. Macaulay singled through the left side to keep the rally going, and he made it home on a double by Schwind to right field. A single by Tim Barcomb drove in the final run of the inning for the Golden Knights for a 5-0 lead.
In the bottom of the third inning. Markell tripled to right center to score Demshar. Senior Tim Barcomb ripped a double down the right field line, picking up two RBI in the process. Clarkson closed out its scoring on the day in the fourth inning with a five-run showing. The four-hit inning saw the Golden Knights hit safely on four occasions, with Markell, Tarbox, Macaulay, Tim Barcomb, and junior Brooks McMurry (West Palm Beach, FL) each recording an RBI during the rally.
UCAA Pitcher of the Week Nick Huffman (Fulton, NY) started for Clarkson, allowing five hits and one earned run through the six innings he pitched. Rochester scored twice in the fifth and once again in the sixth, but the Yellow Jackets never mounted a serious challenge to the Golden Knight lead. Sophomore Josh Karon (South Royalton, VT) pitched the seventh in relief, preserving the 14-3 win and extending the Clarkson win streak to ten games.
Tim Barcomb went 3-for-6 on the day, picking up four RBI's along the way, while Tarbox and Schwind went 3-for-7, with Tarbox recording three RBIs and Schwind bringing home four teammates and hitting the crucial single in the first contest to win the game.
April 12, 2002
KNIGHTS SWEEP RIVAL ST. LAWRENCE
It may not have been considered a home game for the Clarkson University Baseball team, but playing on Snell Field the Golden Knights defended their home turf in front of a large crowd by soundly sweeping UCAA and North Country rival St. Lawrence 11-2 and 5-0 Friday.
Clarkson opened the scoring in the top of the first when junior Brooks McMurry (West Palm Beach, FL) doubled to centerfield, bringing home classmate Matt Schwind (Hilton, NY) who had walked earlier in the inning. The Saints responded quickly to the 1-0 deficit they faced, when in the bottom half of the inning they were able to score two runs of their own.
Although St. Lawrence led 2-1 entering the second, the two runs the Saints scored would be the only runs the Clarkson defense would allow on the day. The Golden Knights regained the lead in the top of the second on an opposite-field home run by junior Chris Tarbox (Tupper Lake, NY) for a 3-2 lead. In the third Clarkson put another run on the board when Schwind was able to reach on a throwing error and made his way home on a RBI groundout by McMurry.
Senior Brian Demshar (Carrabassett Valle, ME) started the fifth inning rally with a double to center field. After junior Nate Markell (Massena, NY) walked, Tarbox reached on an error by the pitcher that allowed Demshar to score. A pair of groundouts drove home Markell and Tarbox, putting the Golden Knights up comfortably 7-2.
Clarkson extended its lead in the sixth inning with the final four runs of the game. Demshar once again started the rally for the Green and Gold with a single, followed by a Markell walk. Both runners advanced on a wild pitch, and Demshar found his way home when Tarbox picked up his third RBI of the day with a single to right field. Markell scored the second run of the inning on a throwing error, and Tarbox was able to cross home plate on a fielder's choice by junior Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY). A passed ball allowed Macaulay to move to second, and he reached third when freshman Brandon Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) singled. Macaulay scored on an error by the shortstop that allowed McMurry to reach first safely.
Freshman J.J. Lorence (Liverpool, NY) pitched a solid effort through seven innings, as his only trouble came in the first inning but a strikeout along with a nice defensive play by junior catcher Andy Laughlin (Massena, NY) ended the Saints scoring on the day. Lorence allowed five hits and struck out eight batters along with giving up four walks.
The second game of the day featured a pitching duel, as both offensives struggled early on. Freshman pitcher Andy Noonan (Central Square, NY) started on the mound for the Golden Knights, allowing only four hits through six innings of work, striking out eight batters along the way to increase his team-leading season count to 39.
The Golden Knights broke open the scoring in the top of the fourth with a four-run rally. Macaulay reached on an error, and after senior Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) and McMurry walked, Macaulay was able to score on a wild pitch. A single up the middle by Brandon Barcomb scored both his brother and McMurry for his first two RBI's of the game. The final run of the inning came on a sacrifice fly by Tarbox to left field that scored Brandon Barcomb and put Clarkson up 4-0.
In the fifth the Green and Gold tallied another run when Schwind beat out a fielder's choice at home to score the only run of the inning.
Freshman Mike Onisk (Baldwinsville, NY) came on in the seventh inning to preserve the shutout win for Clarkson, striking out the last batter of the game in the process.
Tarbox went 2-for-6 on the day with four RBI's, and Brandon Barcomb, who struggled in the first outing, went 2-for-4 in the evening matchup with three RBIs.
April 9, 2002
HUFFMAN EARNS PITCHER OF THE WEEK
For the second week in a row the Clarkson University Baseball team received weekly honors in the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA), as freshman pitcher Nick Huffman (Fulton, NY) was named the UCAA Pitcher of the Week.
Majoring in Civil Engineering, Huffman recorded his league-leading fourth victory of the season on Sunday against Hartwick College to remain perfect so far this season. Huffman went the distance in the win, pitching seven innings and allowing only four hits and one run in the 6-1 victory. On the season, Huffman posts an ERA of 4.67, pitching a total of 27.0 innings, striking out 19 batters in the process.
April 7, 2002
KNIGHTS EXTEND WIN STREAK TO SIX WITH SWEEP OF HARTWICK
The Clarkson University Baseball team continued to roll on Sunday afternoon with a series sweep of Hartwick 8-2 and 6-1 at Snell Field. The Golden Knights finished off a perfect weekend, starting on Friday with a 22-1 thrashing of St. Michaels and a sweep of Utica on Saturday 5-0 and 8-7.
Clarkson scored early on in the game, putting three runs up on the board in the bottom of the first. A single by junior Matt Schwind (Hilton, NY) started the rally for the Golden Knights, and a walk by senior Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) along with a single to center field by junior Brooks McMurry (West Palm Beach, FL) loaded the bases with one out. Senior Brian Demshar's (Carrabassett Valley, ME) single to center field brought in the first run of the day, and junior Nate Markell (Massena, NY) followed suit with a single up the middle that drove home two Clarkson runners, putting the Green and Gold ahead 3-0.
Freshman hurler Dan Hojnacki (Attica, NY) started on the mound for Clarkson, and he ran into some trouble in the second inning when the Hawks cut the lead to one, 3-2. However the Golden Knights never relinquished the lead, extending their advantage in the fourth inning.
Demshar doubled to center field to begin the fourth, moving to third when the next batter, Markell, laid down a perfect bunt that put runners on the corners with no one out. Senior Chris Tarbox (Tupper Lake, NY) was able to bring one of his teammates home when he singled up the middle, giving Clarkson a 4-2 lead.
The Golden Knights scored once again in the fifth when freshman Brandon Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) recorded his first RBI of the day by doubling to right field, driving home his brother Tim. Clarkson was able to pick up three more runs in its half of the sixth inning. After Markell and Tarbox both singled, senior Al Begeal (Deposit, NY) reached on an error, loading the bases for UCAA Player of the Week Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY). Macaulay made his opportunity count, as his single to left field drove in two runs. Back-to-back walks for Schwind and Tim Barcomb brought home the final run of the inning, and the Golden Knight defense shut down Hartwick in the seventh for the 8-2 win.
Hojnacki recorded his first win of the season, striking out four batters and only allowing one walk and seven hits through seven innings.
In the second game of the day Clarkson once again started off on the right foot by scoring three runs in the bottom of the first inning. Macaulay walked to begin the inning, and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Schwind. After a long fly ball to center, McMurry drilled a single through the left side to score the game's first run. Brandon Barcomb appearance at the plate was devastating for the Hawks, as the freshman hit his second home run of the weekend to put Clarkson up 3-0.
Hartwick scored its only run in the top of the second on a pair of singles, but the Clarkson defense prevented the Hawks from scoring any more for the rest of the game. The Golden Knights notched three insurance runs in the bottom of the third to put the game out of reach for Hartwick.
Tim Barcomb and McMurry started the rally in the third with a pair of walks, and both runners advanced on a wild pitch moments later. Demshar sent a hard shot back to the pitcher's mound that glanced off the foot of the pitcher, allowing him to reach first and drive in Tim Barcomb for his second RBI of the series. Markell singled up the middle to score McMurry, and after Tarbox singled to load the bases for Clarkson, junior Andy Laughlin (Massena, NY) was hit by a pitch to score the game's final run and extend Clarkson's win streak to six with the 6-1 victory.
Freshman Nick Huffman (Fulton, NY) recorded his team-high fourth win in the process, allowing four hits and striking out four batters through seven innings.
Markell went 4-for-5 on the day with three RBIs, while Tarbox went 4-for-6 and Demshar 3-for-6, both picking up an RBI in the process.
April 6, 2002
KNIGHTS SHUTOUT, SURVIVE UTICA
The Clarkson University Baseball team picked up two wins on a frigid Saturday afternoon at Snell Field, as the Golden Knights swept Utica 5-0 in the first game of the day and then beat the Pioneers in the bottom of the seventh inning 8-7 thanks to a Nate Markell (Massena, NY) single.
Freshman J.J. Lorence (Liverpool, NY) recorded his first shutout as a Golden Knight putting on a flawless three-hit performance. Through seven innings of work, Lorence struck out eight batters and only allowed three walks.
Clarkson's persistence at the plate paid off in the bottom of the fifth when the Green and Gold put up three runs. Markell walked to start the rally for Clarkson, and after a controversial ground out by senior Al Begeal (Deposit, NY), senior Chris Tarbox (Tupper Lake, NY) knocked a single through the right side, sending Markell to third. UCAA Player of the Week Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY) doubled to left center to bring in Markell and send Tarbox to third. Although junior Matt Schwind (Hilton, NY) was unable to make it on base as the next batter, his squeeze bunt gave him two RBI's and a 3-0 Clarkson lead.
The Golden Knights put two more runs on the board in the sixth inning when freshman Brandon Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) hit his team-leading third home run of the season, scoring junior Brooks McMurry (West Palm Beach, FL) in the process and giving the Golden Knights the 5-0 win.
In the second contest of the day the Green and Gold got off to a strong start when McMurry hit his second home run of the season down the left field line in the bottom of the first, driving in senior Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY).
Clarkson looked to repeat the shutout performance it had in the previous game, but in the top of the fourth the Pioneers picked up three runs for a 3-2 lead. Freshman Andy Noonan (Central Square, NY) started the second game for Clarkson on the mound, working through 6.2 innings. Noonan ran into trouble in the fourth, as the first four batters were able to hit safely in the inning. Noonan recovered though, throwing two of his ten strikeouts on the day and forcing another batter to ground out for the final out of the inning.
The Golden Knights responded to the deficit in their half of the fourth inning when junior Tim Bumpus (Liverpool, NY) singled down the left field line and then reached second on a passed ball. Bumpus crossed home plate when Markell singled up the middle for his first RBI of the game, knotting the game at three.
Macaulay started the fifth inning off for Clarkson strong with a single up the middle. After a strikeout and a line out to center, the inning looked to be over until McMurry bunted to get aboard safely. Brandon Barcomb kept the inning alive with a single to right field, scoring Macaulay, and Bumpus finished off the scoring in the inning with a single through the left side to bring home two Golden Knight runners.
The Green and Gold looked to have the game in hand going into the seventh after scoring another run in the sixth for a 7-3 lead, however the Pioneers had other ideas as they rallied to score four runs and tie the game. Freshman Mike Onisk (Baldwinsville, NY) came on with two outs in the top half of the seventh to secure the final out and put Clarkson back on offense in hopes of ending the game.
McMurry began the inning with a walk and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Brandon Barcomb. Utica intentionally walked freshman pinch-hitter Matt Boyle (Buxton, ME), looking to make Markell hit into a double play, however he had other ideas as his hit to left field dropped away from the fielder, allowing McMurry to score for a 8-7 Clarkson win.
Brandon Barcomb went 3-for-5 on the day with a home run and three RBI's, while McMurry went 3-for-4 with a home run, two RBI's, and a walk. Macaulay finished the day 4-for-7 with an RBI.
April 5, 2002
CLARKSON POUNDS PURPLE KNIGHTS
The Clarkson University Baseball team kept the bats hot on a freezing afternoon, as a 15-run fourth inning propelled the Golden Knights past St. Michael's 22-1 in a rescheduled matchup.
Junior Matt Schwind (Hilton, NY) started off the third inning with a walk, and after senior Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) doubled down the right field line, junior Brooks McMurry (West Palm Beach, FL) hit his first triple of the season to drive in the first two runs of the day. A sacrifice fly by senior Brian Demshar (Carrabassett Valley, ME) brought home the third run of the inning for Clarkson.
St. Michael's scored its only run in the bottom half of the third off of junior David Wisner (Watertown, NY), as he worked through 5.0 innings to record three strikeouts and only allowing three hits and two walks.
Clarkson broke the game wide open in the fourth inning, with every batter in the lineup hitting at least twice. Junior Andy Laughlin (Massena, NY) singled and walked twice to drive in two runs, while senior Chris Tarbox went 2-for-2 in the inning with a double and a walk. Schwind doubled and walked on his two trips to the plate to bring home four of his teammates, and both Demshar and junior Nate Markell (Massena, NY) singled twice, with Demshar driving home two. Tarbox finished the day with 4 RBIs.
April 2, 2002
MACAULAY, LORENCE EARN WEEKLY HONORS
After a strong showing over the weekend by the Clarkson University Baseball team, two members of the Golden Knight roster received Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) weekly honors. Junior Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY) was named as the UCAA Player of the Week while freshman J.J. Lorence (Liverpool, NY) garnered UCAA Rookie of the Week honors.
Macaulay had an impressive performance against Cazenovia on Saturday, as the shortstop went 6-for-9 with a home run and two doubles, driving in six runs in the process. Macaulay's defense was just as strong, recording seven assists, three putouts, and only one error in the series split. On Friday Macaulay went 2-for-8 from the batter's box and notched two assists and four putouts. Macaulay's .367 average is among the leaders in the UCAA, and his seven doubles so far this season is tops in the league.
Although he didn't receive the win on Friday against St. John Fisher, Lorence had a strong showing to keep Clarkson in the game. Through 5.2 innings pitched, Lorence struck out 10 batters and only allowed four walks, six hits, and five runs, two of which were earned. Lorence posts a 5.60 ERA to date, and he has accumulated 19 strikeouts this season, putting him at second on the team.
March 30, 2002
CLARKSON SPLITS SATURDAY SERIES AGAINST CAZENOVIA
After a disappointing 10-9 loss in eight innings to Cazenovia, the Clarkson University Baseball team bounced back in the second game of the day to beat the Wildcats 18-6.
The Golden Knights opened the scoring in the first contest of the day when they scored four runs in the top of the second inning. Junior Brooks McMurry (West Palm Beach, FL) started things off in the inning with a single through the right side, and a double to left center by freshman Brandon Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) brought in McMurry. After freshman Giovan Scialdone (Colonie, NY) walked and a sacrifice bunt by senior Chris Tarbox (Tupper Lake, NY) moved the runners, senior Al Begeal (Deposit, NY) singled to right center to score two runs. Junior Nate Markell (Massena, NY) walked and classmate Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY) bunted safely to load the bases. However the Green and Gold were only able to bring home one more run in the inning, as senior Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) singled through the left side.
Freshman Dan Hojnacki (Attica, NY) started on the mound for Clarkson, and the Wildcats gave him some trouble through the 6 1/3 innings he worked. Cazenovia answered the Clarkson score in the bottom of the second with two runs, and the Wildcats picked up another run in the third on a controversial balk call on an appeal throw to second.
The Golden Knights extended their lead to three once again when McMurry drove in Macaulay after he led off the inning with a double to left field. Clarkson continued to put runs on the board in the fifth, scoring two more times when Macaulay doubled to center field, driving home Tarbox and Begeal.
Cazenovia began its comeback in the bottom of the sixth scoring two runs. Freshman Mike Onisk (Baldwinsville, NY) came in to attempt a save in the seventh, but the Wildcats had other ideas, scoring two more runs to tie the game at seven.
Clarkson took the lead once again with a two-run eighth. The bases were loaded for Tim Barcomb, but the senior third baseman was only able to drive in one run on a sacrifice fly. McMurry's trip to the plate produced the other score of the inning, as he drove in Macaulay on a single up the middle. The Golden Knights looked ready to take the first game and head into the second, but Cazenovia found a way to bring in three runs to win.
Freshman hurler Nick Huffman (Fulton, NY) picked up his team-high third win of the season during the second contest of the day, working all seven innings and giving up five earned runs. Cazenovia broke open the scoring in the bottom half of the second with a run, however the Green and Gold answered in the top of the third.
Markell started the inning with a single to center field, followed by a hit-and-run single to right field by Macaulay that moved Markell to third. Although Brandon Barcomb grounded out to first on the next play, he was able to drive home Markell to tie the game at one.
The offense got hot over the next few innings for Clarkson, when in the fourth the Golden Knights scored three runs. Leadoff batter freshman Matt Boyle (Buxton, ME) and junior Andy Laughlin (Massena, NY) both walked and advanced on a passed ball. Senior Brian Demshar (Carrabassett Valley, ME) picked up his first hit of the day when he doubled to left field, scoring Boyle in the process. A single to left field by Markell and a sacrifice fly by Macaulay brought in the rest of the runs in the inning for a 4-1 lead for the Golden Knights.
Clarkson exploded in the fifth for seven runs. Tim Barcomb hit his second home run of the season to right field, scoring two, and a double by Tarbox three batters later brought in two more. After a Demshar groundout, Markell reached first when a pitch hit him. Macaulay drove home Tarbox and Markell when he drilled his second home run of the season over the right field fence, giving Clarkson a 11-2 advantage. Macaulay had the best performance on the day for Clarkson, as he went 6-for-9 with six RBI's and a home run.
March 29, 2002
KNIGHTS EDGE OUT CARDINALS
It took extra innings in both games today for the Clarkson University Baseball team to beat St. John Fisher, as the Golden Knights came-from-behind in the first matchup of the day 6-5, and then junior Matt Schwind (Hilton, NY) drove in the winning runs in the eighth inning for a 3-2 win.
The Cardinals scored in the bottom of the second for a 1-0 lead, however Clarkson stood strong. Freshman starter J.J. Lorence (Liverpool, NY) struck out the side in the bottom of the third, on the way to striking out 10 batters through 5 2/3 innings. The Golden Knights responded to the deficit when they tied the game at 1 in the fourth.
Costly errors allowed Clarkson to load the bases in the fourth. After junior Brooks McMurry (West Palm Beach, FL) was called out at home on a fielder's choice, senior Al Begeal (Deposit, NY) walked to drive in the inning's lone run.
St. John Fisher scored four more runs in the bottom of the sixth, and although it seemed that the Cardinals had the game in hand, Clarkson rallied in the top of the seventh for four runs of its own.
Junior Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY) reached on an error to start the inning and senior Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) singled through the right side after a Schwind strikeout. McMurry loaded the bases for freshman Brandon Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) when he reached on another Cardinal error. Brandon Barcomb delivered for the Green and Gold with a triple to left center and three RBI's. Senior Brian Demshar (Carrabassett Valley, ME) hit a sacrifice fly to bring the tying run home, and although senior Chris Tarbox (Tupper Lake, NY) singled, the rally ended for Clarkson on a strikeout.
The Golden Knights played solid defense in the bottom half of the seventh, and the offense produced the winning run in the top of the eighth. Junior Nate Markell (Massena, NY) singled to center field to start the inning, and Macaulay followed suit with a single down the right field line, bringing Markell to third. Schwind then hit a sacrifice fly to right field to drive in the winning run, as the next two batters could not get on base.
Freshman Mike Onisk (Baldwinsville, NY) entered the game in the bottom of the seventh to help shut down the Cardnials, and in the eighth he struck out the side, picking up his first win of the season in the process.
The second game of the day saw a defensive struggle between the two teams, as neither team was able to generate a solid scoring opportunity until the eighth. Freshman Andy Noonan (Central Square, NY) pitched a strong 7 1/3 innings, allowing six hits and one earned run.
Junior Andy Laughlin (Massena, NY) started off the eighth-inning surge with a single to center field, and Markell reached on an error after he laid down a sacrifice bunt. After Macaulay reached on a fielder's choice that put Laughlin out at third, Schwind ripped a triple to right field and scored on a throwing error to put the Green and Gold up 3-0.
The Cardinals did not go as quietly as Clarkson had hoped, when they scored one run off of Noonan in the bottom of the eighth. Onisk came in for the save attempt, and although he allowed another run in the inning, Onisk picked up Clarkson's first save of the season for a 3-2 win.
March 22, 2002
KNIGHTS PILLIAGE PILGRIMS, FALL TO FIGHTING SCOTS
The Clarkson University Baseball team split on the final day for the Golden Knights at the Gene Cusic Collegiate Baseball Classic, winning 15-3 in the morning matchup over New England College, but the Golden Knights fell against nationally ranked Wooster 7-2 in the afternoon.
Junior Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY) started things off strong when he took the second pitch he saw and drilled it over the right field fence in the bottom of the first for a 1-0 Clarkson lead. The Golden Knights exploded in the second with seven more runs for an early 8-0 advantage.
After senior Brian Demshar (Carrabassett Valley, ME) walked to start the inning, he advanced to third on a hit-and-run play when freshman Mike Onisk (Baldwinsville, NY) singled to right field. Demshar and Onisk each advanced a base on a balk for the first score of the inning. Junior Andy Laughlin (Massena, NY) drove in a run as his double down the left field line brought home Onisk. Following a strikeout, Macaulay was hit by a pitch and freshman J.J. Lorence (Liverpool, NY) walked to load the bases for junior Brooks McMurry (West Palm Beach, FL). McMurry singled through the left side to drive home Laughlin and Macaulay, but Lorence was called out trying to advance past second. Senior Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) reached on an error, keeping the inning alive for the Green and Gold. Clarkson closed out its scoring in the inning when freshman Brandon Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) hit his first home run of the day and at Clarkson, a shot over the right field fence that scored three runs.
In the third inning junior Tim Bumpus (Liverpool, NY) started the inning with a single to left center and advanced to second on a balk by the pitcher. Lorence drove Bumpus home when he singled toward the left side. McMurry then walked, and after Tim Barcomb popped up Brandon Barcomb drove in his fourth run of the game when he singled to center field. Unfortunately for the Golden Knights, the two runs were the only runs of the inning, as Clarkson led 10-0 after three.
Junior David Wisner (Watertown, NY) started on the mound in the first contest, and his performance was almost flawless through the first four innings. However, the Pilgrims finally found a way to score in the top of the fifth inning. New England scored again in the sixth and once again in the seventh, but not before Clarkson scored five runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.
The first two batters of the inning, Demshar and Onisk, walked and Laughlin was hit by a pitch to load the bases. A fielder's choice allowed New England to get a runner out at home for the first out of the inning, however junior Nate Markell (Massena, NY) walked, scoring the first run of the inning. The next batter, Lorence, was hit by a pitch for the second run, and freshman Matt Boyle picked up an RBI when he grounded out to first. Classmate Giovon Scialdone (Colonie, NY) singled to right field, driving in the last two runs of the inning for Clarkson for a total of 15 in the game.
Freshman Dan Hojnacki (Attica, NY) got the start on the mound in the second game for the Golden Knights. Hojnacki's peformance early on against the 14th-ranked Fighting Scots allowed Clarkson to jump out to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first, as Brandon Barcomb hit his second home run of the day to right field again.
Wooster handled the Clarkson pressure well, and in the top of the third inning the Fighting Scots broke the game open with five runs, as errors in the infield allowed Wooster to score. Wooster put another run on the board in the top of the fifth, however Clarkson responded with a run of its own.
Senior Al Begeal (Deposit, NY) singled to right center to start the inning, and Markell followed suit with a single of his own to left center. Begeal made it to third on a fielder's choice by Matt Schwind (Hilton, NY), and Brandon Barcomb drove him home on a sacrifice fly to right field that almost made it over the fence. For the day, Brandon Barcomb went 3-for-6 with two home runs, a walk, and six RBI's.
Clarkson was unable to complete the comeback in the late innings, as Wooster scored once in the seventh and held the Golden Knights scoreless in the final two innings for a 7-2 win.
March 21, 2002
KNIGHTS SPLIT IN BATTLE WITH COE
The Clarkson University Baseball team finally found its way back into the win column today against Coe College, but the Kohawks stole the first game from the Golden Knights 7-6 before Clarkson broke back with a 10-6 win at the Gene Cusic Collegiate Baseball Classic in Fort Myers, FL.
Clarkson found itself in the hole early on when Coe put two runs on the board in the top of the first. The Golden Knights rebounded in the bottom half of the inning with a score of their own. Junior Nate Markell (Massena, NY) walked to start off the inning, and junior Matt Schwind (Hilton, NY) doubled down the left field line, putting Markell on third. Freshman Brandon Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) picked up an RBI when he singled to center field, bringing Markell home. However on the same play Schwind was called out at home on a controversial play-at-the-plate, and the Golden Knights were only able to come away with one run in the inning.
Coe scored another two runs in the second, but Clarkson responded in the bottom of the third with two runs. Schwind started the third with a walk, and after Brandon Barcomb struck out, classmate Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY) doubled along the right field line, pushing Schwind to third. Although Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) grounded out to the shortstop, he was able to drive in Schwind. Junior Brooks McMurry (West Palm Beach, FL) singled to right center, scoring the second run of the inning and cutting the Kohawk lead to one.
The Golden Knights took their first lead of the day in the bottom of the fourth, as junior Chris Tarbox (Tupper Lake, NY) hit a single and scored on a wild pitch, and Markell came home on an error by the Coe center fielder handling a Schwind single.
The lead for Clarkson was short-lived, when in the top of the fifth Coe scored three runs for a 7-5 lead. The Golden Knights loaded the bases in the bottom part of the inning, and Tim Barcomb scored on a wild pitch. But the Golden Knights were unable to bring home any more runners, stranding three on base, for a total of ten in the game. The Green and Gold were unable to regain the lead, as they lost 7-6.
The evening matchup between the two teams was a different story for Clarkson, as the offense found a way early to put three runs on the board. Markell tried to extend a single into a double in the top of the first, but he was called out at second on a throw from center. Schwind then singled through the left side, and made his way to third on two straight wild pitches. After McMurry walked, Macaulay hammered a shot to left center that drove in Schwind. McMurry got home eventually on a passed ball, and Macaulay was driven in on a Brandon Barcomb single through the left side.
Freshman Nick Huffman (Fulton, NY) started on the mound in the second game, and even though he walked four batters in the first two innings, Huffman was able to strike out six. Clarkson extended its lead to 7 runs when the Golden Knights scored four runs in the top half of the third.
McMurry walked to start off the inning, and after Macaulay flied out to left field, Tim Barcomb singled down the right field line. Freshman Giovon Scialdone (Colonie, NY) walked, loading the bases for Brandon Barcomb. Brandon Barcomb reached on a fielder's choice and picked up an RBI when McMurry crossed home plate. The next batter, Tarbox, singled to right center to bring home Tim Barcomb. Senior Al Begeal (Deposit, NY) walked to load the bases for the second time in the inning, and Markell singled up the middle, driving in two runs in the process.
The contest got tighter when the Kohawks broke up Huffman's no-hitter with two solo home runs in the bottom half of the third. After a scoreless fourth, Schwind hit a sacrifice fly to left to bring in Brandon Barcomb for the only score of the fifth. In the sixth, Begeal almost hit the ball out in left center, but he had to settle for a double and two RBI's as he drove in Tim Barcomb and Scialdone.
Huffman picked up his second win of the season in as many outings, striking out a total of 10 batters and walking six.
"The freshman pitchers have done an outstanding job for us out on the mound so far," said head coach Jim Kane. "They've given us a chance to win every game, and their development is coming along well.
March 20, 2002
KNIGHTS HIT SKID AGAINST AURORA
After a day off, the Clarkson University Baseball team tried to bounce back into the win column against Aurora University, however the Spartans had other ideas as they fought past the Golden Knights 6-1 in the morning tilt and 17-5 in the afternoon matchup.
Costly errors in the top of the third inning allowed junior Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY) to drive in senior Brian Demshar (Carrabassett Valley, ME) on a base hit along the left field line. Aurora responded quickly to the deficit, putting three runs on the board in the bottom of the third. The Spartans put up two more runs in the bottom of the fourth and one more in the sixth, and Aurora held Clarkson to a total of three hits in the game.
Freshman Andy Noonan (Central Square, NY) started for the Golden Knights in the second game of the day, putting forth a strong performance in the opening innings by striking out the side in the second. Noonan threw for 4 2/3 innings, striking out a total of seven batters.
Although down one in the bottom of the second, Clarkson found a way to put runs on the board. Junior Brooks McMurry (West Palm Beach, FL) walked to start off the inning, and freshman Matt Boyle (Buxton, ME) laid down a sacrifice bunt to move McMurry to second. McMurry found his way back to the dugout when freshman Giovan Scialdone (Colonie, NY) picked up an RBI doubling to left center. After a groundout that moved Scialdone to third, freshman Mike Onisk (Baldwinsville, NY) hit the first home run of the day for the Golden Knights, driving in Scialdone and giving Clarkson a 3-1 lead.
The Spartans stayed close to the Golden Knights, and after scoring another run in the top of the fourth, Aurora took the lead once again with four runs in the fifth. Clarkson looked to have a strong chance to get back in the game in the bottom of the fifth when the first two batters walked, but a pitching change for Aurora proved to be a smart move for the Spartans, as the next three batters were retired.
Aurora put two more runs on the board in the top of the sixth for an 8-3 lead, but Clarkson made things interesting in the bottom half of the inning. With McMurry on and two outs, junior Andy Laughlin (Massena, NY) hit his second home run of the season, cutting the lead back to three. The Golden Knights' comeback hopes were dashed in the top of the seventh when Aurora broke out for nine runs in the inning, including a home run. Clarkson could not generate anything in its last at bat, losing the hard-fought contest 17-5.
March 18, 2002
BROCKPORT TAKES TWO FROM KNIGHTS
The third day of the Gene Cusic Collegiate Baseball Classic proved to be the toughest so far for the Clarkson University Baseball team, as the Golden Knights put up a strong fight but lost 8-3 in the early game, and then Clarkson was shutout in the afternoon contest 3-0 in Fort Myers, FL.
Junior Chris Tarbox (Tupper Lake, NY) started on the mound for the Golden Knights, as he threw five strikeouts through 5 2/3 innings. Brockport got on the scoreboard in the top of the second, however Clarkson responded with a score of its own in the bottom half of the inning. Junior Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY) drove in two runs when he doubled to left center field, driving in freshman Mike Onisk (Baldwinsville, NY) and senior Brian Demshar (Carrabassett Valley, ME). Senior Al Begeal (Deposit, NY) was unable to score on the same play, as he was tagged out at home.
The Golden Eagles picked up another run in the top of the third to tie and then took the lead on a score in the top of the sixth for a 3-2 score. Clarkson hung tough in the bottom of the inning, as freshman Brandon Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) reached third on a fielder's choice error. After junior Nate Markell (Massena, NY) walked intentionally, freshman Matt Boyle (Buxton, ME) hit a sacrifice fly to center field, bringing Brandon Barcomb in to score.
Brockport broke the game open in the top of the seventh, putting five runs on the board, including a three-run shot to left center by Brockport catcher Rob Gladwell. With the game on the line in the bottom of the seventh, Clarkson placed two runners on first and second with nobody out. Senior Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) then singled to the fence in right field, but a good relay play put both baserunners out at home, crushing the best Golden Knight opportunity to get back in the game.
The second game featured a pitching duel, with freshman Dan Hojnacki (Attica, NY) getting the call for Clarkson and Adam Waite for Brockport. Brockport took the lead early on in the bottom of the second on a single up the middle that drove in a runner from second. Hojnacki struck out four batters through six innings, but a costly error in the bottom of the sixth allowed two runs to score.
March 17, 2002
CLARKSON SPLITS TWIN-BILL WITH UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGOSt. Patrick's Day was not as kind as the Clarkson University Baseball team wanted it to be, and even though the Golden Knights dropped the first game of the day 10-6 to the University of Chicago, Clarkson rebounded to win the afternoon matchup 17-4 in Fort Myers, FL.
Clarkson got a strong start in the first contest when senior Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) sacrificed to drive in junior Matt Schwind (Hilton, NY) in the top of the first. But Chicago challenged junior pitcher David Wisner (Watertown, NY) in the early goings, as Winser gave up six runs through the first two innings.
The Golden Knights were down 10-1 going into the top of the 6th, however Clarkson closed the gap in the final innings. Freshman Brandon Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) drove in his brother from first on a double to center field. In the seventh, junior Andy Laughlin (Massena, NY) sent a three-run shot over the fence and Tim Barcomb drove in his second run of the game. Clarkson could not come any closer to Chicago, as freshman Giovan Scialdone (Colonie, NY) was called out on a play at the plate off a throw from right field and then senior Brian Demshar (Carrabassett Valley, ME) flied out to right field to end the game.
The offense wasted little time in the second game when the Golden Knights scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning. Freshman Nick Huffman (Fulton, NY) got the start on the mound in the second contest for Clarkson, holding off Chicago for the first two innings and giving up a run in third and fourth, tying the game at two.
With the game knotted at two in the top of the fourth, Clarkson exploded for seven runs in the bottom half of the inning. Schwind singled to drive in classmate Nate Markell (Massena, NY) for the first score of the inning. Following the score junior Brooks McMurry (West Palm Beach, FL) was hit by a pitch, loading the bases for Tim Barcomb. Barcomb sent a shot over the right field fence for his first career grand slam and first home run of the season. Clarkson collected two more runs on a Markell walk and a sacrifice fly by senior Al Beagel (Deposit, NY).
Clarkson scored another run in the bottom of the fifth and then in the sixth freshman Mike Onisk (Baldwinsville, NY) pinch-hit for a single to drive in two runs. The Knights ended up scoring a total of seven runs in the sixth, and junior Adam Fiedler (Niskayuna, NY) relieved Huffman in the seventh en route to the 17-4 win.
March 16, 2002
KNIGHTS SWEEP DICKINSON IN OPENING DAY DOUBLEHEADER
The 2002 campaign started off on the right foot for the Clarkson University Baseball team, as the Golden Knights swept Dickinson 19-5 and 12-1 Saturday afternoon, picking up the first two wins of the season at the Gene Cusic Collegiate Baseball Classic in Fort Myers, Florida.
Freshman J.J. Lorence (Liverpool, NY) started the game from the mound for the Green and Gold, as he performed admirably in his first outing as a Golden Knight, facing 28 batters through six innings and striking out seven. Clarkson got on the board early in the game, as freshman Brandon Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) drove in a run on a single after Dickinson walked the bases loaded.
In the second inning junior Brooks McMurry (West Palm Beach, FL) hit the first home run of the season for Clarkson , and put the Knights up six at the end of two. Classmate Chris Tarbox (Tupper Lake, NY) followed up in the third with a home run of his own. Clarkson ended every inning with a tally on the scoreboard. McMurry went 3-for-4 and walked once, while senior Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) was 2-for-2 with two walks and was hit once.
Although the second game was scoreless after one, the Knights broke it open in the second when junior Nate Markell (Massena, NY) drove in two runs on a single to left field. Clarkson was up 4-0 in the top of the fourth when freshman hurler Andy Noonan (Central Square, NY) got himself into a jam. Even though Noonan walked the first four batters he saw in the fourth, he recovered to strike out the next three. Through six innings, Noonan struck out 10 batters and allowed one run. Clarkson was walked a total of 11 times in the second contest, and Tim Barcomb was 1-for-1 with three walks.
