May 13, 2003
GOLDEN KNIGHTS BASEBALL SEASON WRAP UP
Though the Clarkson University Baseball team ended its season with a win for the fourth consecutive year, the Golden Knights were disappointed in not having an opportunity to reach one of its goals in the 2003 season, that being a shot at the NCAA New York State Regional. After having claimed its third victory of the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) tournament, Clarkson was poised to reach the NCAA's for the first time in their history, holding a 2-1 lead in the fourth inning against Rensselaer. Unfortunately, inclement weather halted the Golden Knights chances at gaining the UCAA's automatic bid, and Rensselaer was awarded the selection for being the last team to lose in the tournament.
The Golden Knights enjoyed their most outstanding season to date under third-year head coach Jim Kane and assistant Todd Kirkey, posting a 25-8 overall record and 10-2 mark in the UCAA. More impressively, Clarkson held a 4-4 record against teams that reached the NCAA, the second best mark in the New York Region, beating national-power Rowan, Ithaca, and Rensselaer on two occasions. The Golden Knights were also recognized nationally on two different occasions, ranking as high as 23rd in the country in the ABCA Division III Baseball Poll.
The Golden Knights set several team marks and exceeded offensive expectations for the season. The team combined for 28 home runs, a school record, and hit .334 with a .504 slugging average and a .428 on-base percentage. The team also finished first in the conference with a .950 fielding percentage, topping the conference for a third straight season.
A strong hitting infield led the Golden Knights in 2003 as all four were named UCAA First-Team All-Stars. Graduate student Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) enjoyed his best season at Clarkson, hitting .373 with single-season team records of 8 home runs, 42 RBI and a .745 slugging percentage. His home run and RBI totals led the UCAA, despite Clarkson competing in only 31 games. Barcomb struck out only twice in 102 at bats and finished his career with 18 home runs and 131 career runs batted in, the top marks in Clarkson history. Senior Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY) also enjoyed an outstanding final season, batting .379 with team-highs in runs (36), walks (22) and stolen bases (11). Macaulay was also named to the Verizon District 1 Academic First Team for the second straight year. He finished his career with 171 hits and 149 runs scored, easily the top marks in Clarkson history. Classmate Nate Markell (Massena, NY) struggled in Florida, but batted .403 once the team returned north. Markell also led the team in doubles with 11 and finished his career third all-time at Clarkson in runs scored (93). Sophomore first baseman Brandon Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) proved that his outstanding first season was not a fluke, as he led the team in hits with 40 and batted .374 with a .561 slugging percentage. Barcomb hit four home runs and drove in 20, both second behind his older brother, Tim.
The outfield produced at a similar level for Clarkson this spring. Senior Matt Schwind (Hilton, NY) got off to a hot start in Florida and finished the season with three home runs, 20 RBI and a .312 batting average along with a team-high five sacrifice hits. Schwind was selected as a UCAA First-Team All-Star for his outstanding season and was selected as the Verizon District 1 Academic First Team along with Macaulay. Junior transfer Chad Sydor (Troy, NY) started the season as a reserve, but finished the year as the team's top hitter, batting .400 with 23 runs scored and seven stolen bases. Sophomores Giovan Scialdone (Colonie, NY) and John Smith (Hermon, NY) split time in right field and combined to hit four home runs with 26 RBI. Sophomore Mike Onisk (Baldwinsville, NY) was the team's top utility player, pitching in seven contests and playing 17 times in the outfield, and hit .333.
Several other players made key contributions to the Golden Knights batting success as well. Senior Matt Draper (Massena, NY) was selected as the UCAA First-Team designated hitter, batting .348 with a .463 on-base percentage. Sophomore Matt Boyle (Buxton, ME) hit a home run in his first at bat of the season and made the most of his opportunities with three RBI and four runs scored in just nine at bats. Senior Andy Laughlin (Massena, NY) hit .283, but struck out only four times in 46 at bats. Sophomore Tom Lilienthal (Baldwinsville, NY) and Laughlin certainly kept the opposition's running game in check, allowing only 21 stolen bases in 37 attempts all year. Freshmen Rob Cowin (Albany, NY), Brandon Delaney (Oswego, NY) and Andy Draper (Massena, NY) also played key roles for the Golden Knights and look for more playing time next season. Cowin was used primarily as a pinch-runner with his outstanding speed, while Delaney and Draper came through in late-game situations and hit a combined .444.
As expected, the Golden Knights pitching staff gave Clarkson many wins in close games this season when the offense wasn't producing at its .334 batting clip. Sophomores Andy Noonan (Central Square, NY), named a UCAA First-Team All-Star, J.J. Lorence (Liverpool, NY), Nick Huffman (Fulton, NY) and Dan Hojnacki (Attica, NY) were solid all season long as the team's top four starters. Noonan and Lorence each went 4-2 while Hojnacki was 4-0. Huffman went 5-0 with a 3.24 earned run average, the fourth best mark in the UCAA. Huffman's career record at Clarkson is now a staggering 12-2.
Freshmen Brandon O'Connell (Liverpool, NY) and Stefan Casey (Waterbury, VT) also came through in tough spots for the Golden Knights, working as spot starters and relievers for Clarkson. Smith, A.J. Podlucky (Grand Island, NY), Casey Ewald (Windsor, VT), and Mark Anderson (Leland, MI) worked as set up men and situational pitchers during the season and came through with excellent numbers, combining for three wins and four saves. Also providing help for the relief corps were sophomore Evan Weaver (Lafayette, NY), Kyle Seymour (Saranac, NY) and Matt Shannon (Altamont, NY).
May 12, 2003
CLARKSON BASEBALL PAIR EARN ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICA HONORS
Clarkson University student-athletes, seniors Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY) and Matt Schwind (Hilton, NY) were both named as first-team members of the 2003 Verizon Academic All-America District 1 Baseball team.
For the second straight year, Macaulay, who boasted a perfect 4.0 cumulative grade point average majoring in accounting, was named to the Verizon First-Team. Majoring in chemical engineering, Schwind posted an impressive 3.80 GPA. Macaulay and Schwind are now eligible for Verizon National Academic All-America consideration.
A shortstop, Macaulay started all started all 31 games for the Golden Knights and was among the team leaders offensively. A 1999 graduate of Massena High School, Macaulay hit for a .370 average, with nine doubles, two triples, one homerun and a team-high 22 walks. He scored a team-high 36 runs, knocked in 18 RBI and was perfect on all 11 steal attempts.
Schwind started 24 of 25 games in the outfield and committed just one error in 33 chances in center field. Offensively, the 1999 Hilton H.S. graduate, batted .312 with five doubles and three home runs.
With Macaulay and Schwind helping to lead the way, Clarkson enjoyed one of its best seasons ever, posting a 25-8 overall record and a 10-2 mark in the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA).
Macaulay and Schwind were also named first-team UCAA All-Stars this season. Both were honored three times during their careers on the UCAA All-Academic team.
Clarkson, which is a member of District I, has had 31 student-athletes earn Verizon Academic All America recognition since 1981. Athletes named to District first-teams qualify for the national ballot. The District I region includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and parts of eastern Canada. Voting for the Verizon Academic All-America teams is done by the College Sports Information Directors of America.
In order to be eligible for Verizon academic honors, a student-athlete must be a starter or important reserve with legitimate athletic credentials and at least a 3.20 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale). He/she must have reached sophomore athletic and academic standing their current institution and must have completed at least one full academic year at their current institution.
May 12, 2003
CLARKSON MISSES OUT ON NCAA TR.
Despite posting one of its most successful seasons ever, the Clarkson University Baseball team was denied a bid into this year's 42-team NCAA Tournament. The Golden Knights defeated Rensselaer 6-5 in the championship round of the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) tourney, but were rained out in Sunday's deciding game, leading 2-1 through 3 ½ innings, enabling Rensselaer to win the UCAAs and gained the automatic NCAA berth. Clarkson finished the year at 25-8
May 11, 2003
MOTHER NATURE KNOCKS OUT KNIGHTS
The Clarkson University Baseball team's bid for the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) Tournament Championship crown was wiped out by stormy weather on Sunday afternoon in Troy, NY. After defeating host Rensselaer 6-5 in Sunday morning's game, the Golden Knights were leading the RedHawks 2-1 through 3 ½ innings in the afternoon's deciding contest, but rainy weather, along with thunder and lighting, forced the game to be called off.
Because Rensselaer was the first team to 2-0 and the last to lose in the four-team, double-elimination tournament the RedHawks were declared tournament champions and earned the automatic bid into NCAA postseason play. Clarkson, with a 25-8 overall record, is hoping to gain one of the four coveted at-large berths in the NCAA Tournament, which will be selected Sunday night.
In the Golden Knights 6-5 victory, Brandon Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) hit his fourth home run of the season and scored the game-tying run on an error in the bottom of the eighth inning. Barcomb was selected as the tournament's Most Outstanding Player, hitting 10-for-19 with five RBI.
Also named to the All-Tournament team for Clarkson were Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY), Nate Markell (Massena, NY) and Chad Sydor (Troy, NY). Tim Barcomb scored the go-ahead run for the Golden Knights in the bottom of the eighth inning on a double steal with Giovan Scialdone (Colonie, NY). John Smith (Hermon, NY) picked up the win in relief for Clarkson.
May 10, 2003
KNIGHTS SPLIT IN UCAA TOURNAMENT, REACH CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND VS RENSSELAR
Chad Sydor (Troy, NY) went 6-for-8 with four runs scored and four runs batted in to help lead the Clarkson University Baseball team to the championship round of the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) conference tournament Saturday afternoon at Robison Field. The Golden Knights lost their first game of the tournament when they dropped a 14-10 decision to Rensselaer, but came back to blow out the University of Rochester 14-2 to reach the tournament's final day.
The Golden Knights, who moved to 24-8 on the season, will play Rensselaer at 10:30 am Sunday in the championship bracket. If Clarkson wins, the Golden Knights have to face the Red Hawks again for the right to move on to the NCAA Regionals. With an opening game loss, the Golden Knights are eliminated and Rensselaer takes the UCAA crown.
In the opening game, the Golden Knights started off on a 4-1 lead after a two run single from Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) in the first inning and a solo home run from Tom Lilienthal (Baldwinsville, NY) in the second inning. The Red Hawks scored two in the bottom of the second inning, four in the third inning and three more in the fourth to take a commanding 10-4 lead. The Golden Knights cut the advantage to 10-6, but Rensselaer responded with four more in the sixth inning to gain a 14-6 advantage before Clarkson scored two runs in both the eighth and ninth innings. Barcomb was 1-for-3 with four RBI, setting a new Clarkson single-season standard by driving in his 40th run of the season in just his 29th game. Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY) was 3-for-4 while Sydor went 3-for-5. Lilienthal was 2-for-4 and Brandon Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) went 2-for-5 with two RBI.
In the second game, Clarkson assured themselves of a place in the championship round as they scored 11 runs in the first two innings, batting around in each frame. Sydor was 3-for-3 with four RBI, raising his average to .397 on the season. Mike Onisk (Baldwinsville, NY) and Brandon Barcomb each went 3-for-5, with Onisk driving home three runs. Matt Draper (Massena, NY) was 2-for-3, John Smith (Hermon, NY) and Macaulay were 2-for-5, and Tim Barcomb went 2-for-6 with his 41st RBI of the season. Nick Huffman (Fulton, NY) scattered five hits over six innings to pick up his fifth win of the season.
May 9, 2003
KNIGHTS MASH 3 HR TO BEAT ROCHESTER 9-3
Senior Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) hit his team-leading eighth home run of the season to help lead the Clarkson University Baseball team to a 9-3 win over the University of Rochester in the first round of the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) conference championships Friday afternoon at Robison Field in Troy, NY.
The Golden Knights will face Rensselaer at 12:30 pm on Saturday in the winners' bracket. If Clarkson wins, they will move into the championship round set for noon on Sunday. With a loss, the Golden Knights will need to win another game at 3:30 pm on Saturday to move into the championship bracket.
Brandon Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) started the scoring for Clarkson in the bottom of the second inning when he laced the first pitch he saw over the right field wall for a solo home run, his third of the season. Nate Markell (Massena, NY) hit his first home run of the season in the bottom of the third inning, also a solo shot, to lead off the inning. Markell delivered a two-run single the following inning to give Clarkson a 4-0 lead. They held that advantage until the seventh inning when Clarkson starter J.J. Lorence (Liverpool, NY) was touched for two runs. The Golden Knights responded with one in the bottom of the seventh inning and four in the bottom of the eighth inning.
Lorence struck out nine in a complete game victory, his fourth win of the season. The Barcomb brothers each went 3-for-5, as did Markell, to lead Clarkson. Matt Draper (Massena, NY) also went 2-for-4 for the Golden Knights, who improved to 23-7 overall this season.
May 9, 2003
CLARKSON DOMINATES UCAA FIRST-TEAM ALL-STARS
The Clarkson University Baseball team was well represented on the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) All-Star team with seven Golden Knights, including the entire starting infield, earning first-team honors.
The Barcomb Brothers from Cadyville, NY, Tim and Brandon were selected at third and first base, respectively. Tim Barcomb, a graduate student, was also a first-team all-star in 2000 and 2001. A sophomore, Brandon Barcomb was named to the first team for the second consecutive season.
Massena, NY natives, seniors Matt Macaulay and Nate Markell gained recognition at shortstop and second base, respectively. Macaulay has earned UCAA recognition in each of his four years at Clarkson, including first-team accolades twice. Markell was a second-team honoree last year. Grad student, Matt Draper, also of Massena, was named as the first-team designated hitter.
Sophomore righthand pitcher Andy Noonan, from Central Square, NY, and senior outfielder Matt Schwind, from Hilton, NY, also represented Clarkson on the first team, which was comprised of 14 players from the seven-team conference.
The Golden Knights, the number two seed in the UCAA Tournament, which is being play at Rensselaer this weekend, finished the regular season at 22-7 overall and 10-2 in the conference.
May 6, 2003
CLARKSON'S TIM BARCOMB EARNS WEEKLY ECAC AND UCAA HONORS
Clarkson University Baseball player Tim Barcomb has been named ECAC Upstate New York and Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) Player of the Week. A senior from Cadyville, New York, Barcomb was 9-for-13 from the plate in five games last week with a 1.615 slugging percentage. He had three home runs, eight runs batted in and seven runs scored. He set a single-game record with three home runs in the Knights' 14-8 win over Rensselaer on May 4. He also went 5-for-6 with four runs scored and seven runs batted in. Against RIT on May 3, Barcomb was 3-for-4 with three runs scored and a run batted in and then he went 1-for-3 with a triple in the 6-5 victory over Ithaca on May 2. Barcomb shares the UCAA honor with Brian Neary of Skidmore.
May 5, 2003
KNIGHTS SEEDED SECOND IN UCAA TOURNAMENT
The Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) has announced the schedule for this weekend's inaugural post-season baseball tournament, which will be hosted by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) at Robison Field in Troy, N.Y. The four-team, double elimination event will begin on Friday at noon and conclude on Sunday afternoon.
Rensselaer (24-12; 11-1 UCAA), the regular season champion for the eighth straight season, is the top seed and will host fourth-seeded St. Lawrence (11-17; 7-5) in the first game on Friday beginning at noon. Second-seeded Clarkson University (22-7; 10-2) will then play third-seeded Rochester (18-19; 7-5) at 3:30pm.
There will be three games played on Saturday, beginning at 9:30am with the losers of Friday's games. Friday's two winners will face each other at 12:30pm and the loser of that game will then play the winner of Saturday's first game in an elimination game beginning at 4pm.
Sunday's action, which will pit the two remaining teams, will begin at
noon. Should one team remain undefeated following that contest, they will be crowned the UCAA Tournament Champion and earn an automatic berth into the NCAA Regional Tournament. If both teams have one loss after Sunday's first game, the two teams will play a second game soon after the first to determine the league champion.
May 4, 2003
CLARKSON FALLS ONE GAME SHY IN BID FOR UCAA TITLE
Senior third baseman Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) homered three times in the opening game, but the Clarkson University Baseball team's bid to claim the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) regular season title fell one game short as the Golden Knights had to settle for a doubleheader split against Rensselaer, 14-8 and 27-1, on Sunday in Troy, NY.
In the opening game, Barcomb homered in in the first inning with a three-run shot, in the third inning on a two-run bomb, and then in the sixth inning with a solo home run. He tallied 14 total bases in the game and reached base five times, driving in six and scoring four times. Clarkson scored in every inning but the second, thanks to a 3-for-4 performance from senior Matt Schwind (Hilton, NY), a 2-for-3 game from senior Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY), and a 2-for-4 game from senior Nate Markell (Massena, NY). Matt Draper (Massena, NY) hit a solo home run in the fourth inning for the Golden Knights, who moved to 22-7 overall and 10-2 in the UCAA with the split.
In the second game, Rensselaer used the whole field to tally 31 hits, some finding holes in the infield and others going to the gaps. The Red Hawks scored four in the first, seven in the second and 11 in the third to take a commanding lead before Barcomb drove home Brandon Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) in the top of the fourth inning.
Rensselaer earns the top seed in the inaugural league tournament, which they will host beginning on Friday. Clarkson is the second seed with Rochester (18-19 overall, 7-5 UCAA) and St. Lawrence (11-17, 7-5 UCAA) rounding out the field in the double elimination, three-day event.
May 3, 2003
KNIGHTS SPLIT WITH RIT, TIGERS END CLARKSON 9-GAME WINNING STREAK
After starting the season 8-0 at home, the Clarkson University Baseball team was finally upended, falling to the Rochester Institute of Technology 9-6 in the second game of a non-league doubleheader, after beating the Tigers 4-3 in the opening game Saturday afternoon at Snell Field.
The Tigers opened the scoring in the second inning when Jeff Ware scored on a Mark Sapienza single. The Golden Knights followed with a run in the bottom of the inning when Nate Markell (Massena, NY) singled in John Smith (Hermon, NY) who had reached base on an error. Clarkson added two more in the third when Smith drove in Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) and JJ Lorence (Liverpool, NY) on a single to center.
RIT battled back with a run in the fourth and the fifth inning to tie the score at 3-3. Clarkson responded with a run in the bottom of the fifth inning when senior Andy Laughlin (Massena, NY) plated Tim Barcomb with a one-out single by the shortstop.
Nick Huffman (Fulton, NY) picked up his fourth win of the season, allowing seven hits over 5 1/3 innings. AJ Podlucky (Grand Island, NY), Casey Ewald (Windsor, VT) and Mark Anderson (Rock Island, IL) pitched the final five outs for the Golden Knights with Anderson picking up his first save of the season.
In the second game, RIT produced a single run on a double by Eric Hauser, but the Golden Knights responded with one in the bottom of the inning when Giovan Scialdone (Colonie, NY) plated Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY) with a single to left field. Clarkson scored another run in the second inning on an RBI-single by Matt Draper (Massena, NY) which scored Matt Schwind (Hilton, NY), who had led off the inning with a double to the left-centerfield gap.
After falling behind 3-2 in the top of the fifth inning, the Golden Knights rallied for three in the bottom of the inning with two coming in on a failed pickoff attempt that allowed Scialdone and Tim Barcomb to score. Barcomb had singled home Markell to tie the game at 3-3. After each team added a run in the sixth inning, the Tigers piled on five runs when they strung together six consecutive hits in the seventh inning to take a 9-6 lead.
The Golden Knights finish the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) regular season with a doubleheader at 2:00 p.m. Sunday at Rensselaer.
May 2, 2003
GOLDEN KNIGHTS HOLD OFF LATE RALLY BY ITHACA, 6-5
A head's up defensive play in the bottom of the ninth inning from senior third baseman Tim Barcomb (Caydville, NY) helped lead the Clarkson University Baseball team to a 6-5 non-league win over the Ithaca Bombers Friday afternoon at Snell Field.
With a runner on third base and two out, a slowly hit ground ball by Craig Nels hopped over the third base bag and looked likely to tie the game, but Barcomb went to the plate instead of first base to cut off the potential tying run. Catcher Tom Lilienthal (Baldwinsville, NY) applied the tag to end the game.
The Bombers, who fell to 21-9 on the season, scored two in the top of the second inning to open the scoring. Ben McBride doubled in a run and later scored on an error to make the score 2-0.
Matt Schwind (Hilton, NY) hit a two-out, two-run home run in the bottom of the second inning, his third home run of the season, to tie the score 2-2. The Golden Knights, who improved to 20-5 on the season, added two more in the third inning when Nate Markell (Massena, NY) scored after a single by Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY). Macaulay later scored on a shallow pop up to the second baseman. Clarkson added two more in the seventh inning when Markell scored on another single from Macaulay. Macaulay scored Clarkson's sixth run when he eluded a tag at the plate on a passed ball.
The Bombers loaded the bases in the top of the ninth inning on an error, a single and a walk and closed the game by scoring on another error, a single to center and a fielder's choice. John Smith (Hermon, NY) earned his second save of the year with two groundball outs and a strikeout in the ninth inning.
Dan Hojnacki (Attica, NY) allowed only four hits over eight innings of work, including only two in the first 23 outs. He struck out five and allowed three earned runs. Kyle Sottung took the loss, allowing six hits in seven innings while striking out eight.
The Golden Knights host the Rochester Institute of Technology in a doubleheader at 2:00 p.m. Saturday afternoon at Snell Field. Clarkson closes out the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) season with a doubleheader at Rensselaer on Sunday.
April 27, 2003
NOONAN, LORENCE CONTINUE DOMINANCE OVER UCAA FOES, SWEEP VASSAR 11-4, 4-3
Andy Noonan (Central Square, NY) won his fourth game of the season with an overpowering performance and J.J. Lorence (Liverpool, NY) followed up with a four-hit gem of his own as the Clarkson University Baseball team enjoyed its fourth Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) doubleheader sweep of the spring with two wins over Vassar College, 11-4 and 4-3, Saturday afternoon at Dutchess Stadium in Wappinger Falls, NY.
The Golden Knights improved to 19-5 overall and 9-1 in the UCAA and end the conference season with a doubleheader against Rensselaer next weekend. That doubleheader will decide which team will host the conference's inaugural post-season tournament.
Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) opened the scoring in the first inning when he hit a two-run home run down the right field line. The Golden Knights added three more in the inning with run scoring hits from Andy Laughlin (Massena, NY), Matt Schwind (Hilton, NY), and Matt Draper (Massena, NY).
Clarkson scored three more in the second inning when two runners scored on a Giovan Scialdone (Colonie, NY) single and a Brandon Barcomb (Caydville, NY) sacrifice fly. The Golden Knights added three more in the sixth inning on another long home run from Tim Barcomb.
Barcomb was 3-for-4 with two home runs, a double and five RBI to lead Clarkson. Chad Sydor (Troy, NY) was 1-for-2 with three stolen bases and three runs scored for the Golden Knights. Adam Najemy went 2-for-3 with two RBI for Vassar.
Noonan continued his pitching dominance in New York State, allowing only one hit in six innings and striking out six while walking only one. Noonan has allowed only one earned run in 23 innings since the team's Florida trip and opponents are hitting just .158 against him.
In the second game, the Golden Knights scored two runs in the top of the first inning on four Vassar errors. The Brewers, who fell to 14-12 overall and 2-8 in the UCAA, committed eight errors in the game. Clarkson added two more runs in the fourth inning for a 4-0 advantage, but the Brewers scrapped for three in the bottom of the inning to cut the lead to one run. Lorence closed out the game by allowing only one hit in the final three innings.
April 22, 2003
NOONAN NAMED UCAA PITCHER OF THE WEEK
Thanks to two outstanding performances, sophomore Andy Noonan (Central Square, NY) was selected as the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) Pitcher of the Week for the week ending April 20.
Noonan defeated the University of Rochester 3-0, giving up six hits and two walks over seven innings while striking out six for his first shutout of the season. Noonan followed up that performance with a 7-1 win over Union, striking out nine while allowing four hits and one earned run. Noonan enjoyed a stretch of 12 2/3 scoreless innings pitched and posted a 0.64 ERA for the week.
After three more scoreless innings against St. Lawrence on Tuesday, Noonan has an ERA of 3.96 with 27 strikeouts in 25 innings pitched and has given up just one earned run in his last 17 innings. Opponents are hitting .250 against him this season. Since returning north from the annual spring trip, Noonan has a 0.53 ERA and hitters are batting only 11-for-58 against him.
April 22, 2003
KNIGHTS RECORD FIFTH SHUTOUT OF SEASON, BEAT SLU 1-0
Sophomores Andy Noonan (Central Square, NY), J.J. Lorence (Liverpool, NY), and John Smith (Hermon, NY) combined to allow just two hits over nine innings as the Clarkson University Baseball team recorded its fifth shutout of the season, defeating St. Lawrence 1-0 in a non-league game Tuesday afternoon at St. Lawrence's Tom Fay Field.
The Golden Knights improved to 17-5 overall while St. Lawrence fell to 8-11, losing their first game at home this season.
The Golden Knights had several opportunities to score runs, leaving 11 runners stranded, but came through in the top of the third inning when Nate Markell (Massena, NY) hit a one-out triple to the right-center gap. Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY) followed Markell's long hit with an infield single to score the game's lone run.
Clarkson's pitching staff was impressive against the Saints. Noonan allowed just one base runner in three innings, a bloop single over the infield, and struck out four. Lorence came on in the fourth, picking up the victory to improve to 2-1, and allowed a hit and two walks while striking out four over four innings. Smith pitched two perfect innings to close out the game and struck out the side in the bottom of the ninth inning to earn his first save of the year.
Clarkson's first two pitchers have been impressive as of late. Lorence hasn't allowed a run in 15 1/3 innings pitched, while Noonan has allowed just one earned run over his last 17 innings pitched.
The Golden Knights return to non-league action on Wednesday when they visit Plattsburgh State.
April 19, 2003
KNIGHTS COME BACK FROM FIVE DOWN TWICE, SWEEP SKIDMORE
Late-hitting heroics were the order of the day for the Clarkson University Baseball team as the Golden Knights rallied from six runs down in the first game and five runs down in the second to sweep an Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) doubleheader from Skidmore 10-8 and 11-10 Saturday afternoon at Snell Field.
The Golden Knights improved to 16-5 overall and 7-1 in the UCAA while Skidmore fell to 5-16 and 0-8.
In the first game, the Golden Knights struggled in the opening innings on defense and on the mound, trailing 8-2 after four and a half innings. Skidmore catcher Brian Neary drove in three runs with a triple and double in his first two plate appearances and Mike Godlewski drove in two runs.
The Golden Knights rallied with eight runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. With the score 8-6, Nate Markell (Massena, NY) hit a two-out double to score two runs and tie the game. Two batters later, Chad Sydor (Troy, NY) tripled to the gap as two more runs crossed the plate for a 10-8 Clarkson advantage. Neary closed the gap to 10-9 in the top of the seventh inning with a sacrifice fly.
Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY) went 2-for-2 with two walks and three runs scored to lead the Golden Knights in the opening contest. Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) was 2-for-4 with an RBI while Andy Laughlin (Massena, NY) and Matt Draper (Massena, NY) each went 2-for-3 with an RBI. Sophomore Matt Shannon (Altamont, NY) picked up the victory in relief for the Golden Knights. Freshman Stefan Casey (Waterbury, VT) picked up the save by retiring the final batter.
In the second game, the Golden Knights fell behind 10-5 in the fifth inning, but scored one in the bottom of the fifth and four more in the sixth inning to tie the score. After a leadoff double by freshman Brandon O'Connell (Liverpool, NY), Markell ended the game with a run-scoring double to complete the sweep for Clarkson.
Mike Onisk (Baldwinsville, NY) went 3-for-4 with three RBI in the second game while sophomore catcher Tom Lilienthal (Baldwinsville, NY) produced a two RBI. Markell was 2-for-3 and Brandon Barcomb (Caydville, NY) was 2-for-4 with two runs and an RBI.
April 18, 2003
GOLDEN KNIGHTS TAKE TWO FROM UNION, MOVE TO 14-5
The Clarkson University Baseball team finally bested Union's Chris Hartnett on their way to a doubleheader sweep of Union College 5-0 and 7-1 in an Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) match up Friday afternoon at Clarkson's Snell Field.
The Golden Knights improved to 14-5 overall and 5-1 in the UCAA while Union dropped to 4-13 overall and 2-4 in the UCAA.
In the opening game, J.J. Lorence (Liverpool, NY)) threw a four-hit shutout for his first victory of the season, striking out eight over seven innings. The Golden Knights defeated Hartnett for the first time in four years. Hartnett had beaten the Knights 5-3, 2-1 and 4-0 over the past three years, one of only two pitchers to beat Clarkson over the past three years.
Giovan Scialdone (Colonie, NY) was 2-for-2 with a run scored while Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) went 1-for-3 with a two run single in the first inning. Leading 2-0 after three innings, Clarkson tacked on three runs in the fourth inning when Tom Lilienthal (Baldwinsville, NY) squeezed home a run on a sacrifice bunt, Nate Markell (Massena, NY) produced a run-scoring single, and Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY) singled home Markell. Calvin Brown went 2-for-3 to lead Union.
In the second game, Tim Barcomb hit a grand slam in the bottom of the first inning after the first three batters reached base. Macaulay led off the inning with a triple, Chad Sydor (Troy, NY) walked, and Scialdone was hit by a pitch before Barcomb's second home run of the season. The Golden Knights scored three more in the bottom of the fifth inning. Macaulay led off the inning with a double and scored on a double steal with Sydor. Sydor then scored on a base hit by Brandon Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) and Barcomb came in on a two-out error by the Dutchmen's shortstop.
Union scored its lone run of the second game when Calvin Brown drove in Dan Mehleisen on a two-out single in the sixth inning.
Andy Noonan (Central Square, NY) followed up Lorence's shutout with a four-hit performance of his own, striking out nine over seven innings for his third win of the season. Noonan has allowed just one earned run over his last 14 innings.
The Golden Knights return to UCAA action at noon on Saturday afternoon when they face Skidmore College.
April 16, 2003
CLARKSON SWEPT BY BROCKPORT, 3-0 and 4-3
Freshmen Brandon O'Connell (Liverpool, NY) and Stefan Casey (Waterbury, VT) each pitched well for the Clarkson University Baseball team, but the Golden Knights were bested by superior pitching from Brockport State, which swept Clarkson 3-0 and 4-3 in a non-league doubleheader Wednesday afternoon.
O'Connell struck out six and allowed no walks while scattering 11 hits over seven innings for the Golden Knights, who fell to 12-5 overall, in the opening game. Brockport's Jason Waite topped O'Connell's mound performance, allowing just one hit while walking six over seven innings.
In the second game, Clarkson scored first when Chad Sydor (Troy, NY) drove home Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY), who led off the game with a double. The Golden Knights took a 3-2 lead in the sixth inning when Giovan Scialdone (Colonie, NY) drove home Brandon Barcomb (Cadyville, NY). The Golden Knights lead didn't last, however, as Brockport scored in the bottom of the sixth inning to tie the game 3-3. The Golden Eagles won the game when sophomore Jeff Schwegler drove home the winning run with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning. Casey took the loss for Clarkson, dropping his record to 1-1.
John Morgan went 4-for-4 in the first game and 3-for-4 in the second game to lead the Golden Eagles. Sydor, Barcomb and Scialdone each went 2-for-3 in the second game, with Sydor and Scialdone driving home a run each.
The Golden Knights return to Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) action when they host Union at 2 pm, Friday afternoon.
April 15, 2003
KNIGHTS JUMP TO 23rd in LATEST ABCA POLL
The Clarkson University Baseball team jumped up five spots, moving from 28th to 23rd, in the latest American Baseball Coaches Association/Collegiate Baseball NCAA Division III Poll, which was released Monday, April 14th. The Golden Knights are now just one spot short of their highest ranking in school history.
The Golden Knights have played the fewest games of any of the top 30 teams, having competed in just 11 contests, but Clarkson's strong start in Florida and a doubleheader sweep of St. Lawrence kept them in the rankings. The University of Rochester split a doubleheader with Clarkson on Monday, giving the Knights a record of 12-3 overall and 3-1 in the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA). Clarkson is tied for second in the New York Region, trailing only perennial power Cortland State.
The Golden Knights will have their ranking tested between now and the next poll (released April 28th) as they are scheduled to play 14 games in the next 12 days, including New York ranked teams such as Brockport State, Rensselaer and Vassar.
Clarkson faces Brockport State in a doubleheader on Wednesday at a neutral site yet to be determined due to weather conditions. The Golden Knights are scheduled to face UCAA foes Union and Skidmore on Friday and Saturday. Clarkson plays the Dutchmen at 2 pm Friday and the Thoroughbreds at noon on Saturday.
April 14, 2003
NOONAN TOSSES 6-HIT SHUTOUT, KNIGHTS SPLIT WITH U of R
Andy Noonan (Central Square, NY) allowed just six hits over seven innings and struck out six batters to help the Clarkson University Baseball team salvage a split of an Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) doubleheader against the University of Rochester Monday afternoon in Rochester. The Golden Knights, who moved to 12-3 overall and 3-1 in the UCAA, dropped the first game 3-2 and won the second 3-0.
In the first game, J.J. Lorence (Liverpool, NY) made just one mistake on the mound, giving up a three-run home run to the short left-center gap in the second inning. Lorence allowed eight hits in six innings, four of which came in the second inning, and struck nine. He struck out the side in the second and sixth innings.
Mike Onisk (Baldwinsville, NY) and Brooks McMurry (West Palm Beach, FL) each delivered run-scoring singles in the fourth inning to trim the lead to 3-2, but the Golden Knights could muster just one hit in the final three innings.
In the second game, Noonan continually worked out of jams by overpowering hitters with runners in scoring position, ending three consecutive rallies with strikeouts. Noonan allowed two walks and six hits, but all of the hits were singles.
Giovan Scialdone (Colonie, NY) went 2-for-3 and drove home the first run of the game for the Golden Knights when he scored Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) from second base in the second inning. Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY) went 3-for-3 with two runs scored. He led off the third inning with a triple and scored on a groundout by Matt Schwind (Hilton, NY). Macaulay led off the fifth inning with a double and scored on a double by Brandon Barcomb (Cadyville, NY).
The Golden Knights look to improve on their 12-3 mark when they face Brockport State in a non-league doubleheader Wednesday afternoon at Watertown's Duffy Fairgrounds.
April 11, 2003
CLARKSON OPENS UCAA SCHEDULE WITH SWEEP OF ST. LAWRENCE
Sophomores Nick Huffman (Fulton, NY) and Dan Hojnacki (Attica, NY) each picked up their third victory of the season as the Clarkson University Baseball team swept St. Lawrence 6-3 and 5-3 in an Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) doubleheader Friday afternoon at Snell Field.
The Golden Knights improve to 11-2 overall on the season and are 2-0 in the UCAA. Clarkson will face the University of Rochester in a UCAA doubleheader on Monday afternoon.
In the first game, Huffman allowed two earned runs over six innings, giving up seven hits while striking out three, to pick up his third win of the season. Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY) and Brooks McMurry (West Palm Beach, FL) each went 2-for-3 with two RBI. McMurry hit a solo home run in the sixth inning, his first of the season. Nate Markell (Massena, NY) broke out of a slump with a 2-for-2 effort and Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) went 2-for-3.
St. Lawrence's Tim McMahon was 2-for-2 with a solo home run for the Saints, who fell to 3-9 overall and 0-2 in the UCAA.
In the second game, St. Lawrence got off to a 2-0 lead in the second inning, but the Golden Knights rallied for two in the bottom of the inning and two more in the fourth to gain a lead, which they would never relinquish. Tim Barcomb hit his first home run of the season when he pulled a shot down the right field line. Markell and Tom Lilienthal (Liverpool, NY) each drove home two runs with extra-base hits. St. Lawrence's Jeff Silino was 2-for-3 and added an RBI.
Hojnacki went five innings and struck out six, allowing two earned runs and four hits.
March 31, 2003
GOLDEN KNIGHTS ENTER ABCA POLL AT 28, THIRD IN NY REGION
The Clarkson University Baseball team entered the American Baseball Coaches Association/Collegiate Baseball NCAA Division III Poll as the 28th ranked team in the country, marking just the second time in school history that the Golden Knights have entered the national rankings.
The Golden Knights, who finished the weekend with a 9-2 record thanks to two forfeited games against Cazenovia, enjoyed a victory over 29th-ranked Rowan in Florida, and also defeated Wabash College and Knox College in doubleheaders as well as MacAlester and Augsburg in single games. Clarkson's only losses this year came against undefeated and 18th-ranked Wisconsin-Whitewater. The Golden Knights fell to the Red Hawks 12-10 and 10-4 in a doubleheader in Florida.
Clarkson is also ranked third in the New York region, placing behind only Oneonta State and Cortland State. The Golden Knights are ranked ahead of Rensselaer, Ithaca, Mount St. Mary, Brockport State and Oswego State in the New York Region rankings.
The Golden Knights were last ranked in the ABCA Poll in May 2000 when they were ranked 22nd in the country on the basis of a 21-6 record.
The Golden Knights look to improve upon their record when they face Utica College and Hartwick College in doubleheaders this weekend.
March 27, 2003
HUFFMAN WINS UCAA PITCHER OF THE WEEK AWARD
Thanks to an outstanding opening week, Nick Huffman (Fulton, NY) of the Clarkson University Baseball team has been named the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) Pitcher of the Week for the week of March 17-23.
Huffman, a 6-3 sophomore, picked up two victories on the Golden Knights' annual spring trip to Florida. He pitched seven scoreless innings against Wabash College, striking out six while allowing six hits in a 8-0 shutout victory. In a 3-1 win over Knox College, Huffman enjoyed another fine outing, allowing one earned run on two hits over seven innings. For the week, Huffman allowed eight hits and three walks over 14 innings, striking out 11 hitters. Huffman leads Clarkson with a 0.64 ERA and a 0.79 WHIP (walks plus hits/innings pitched), and has allowed only one extra-base hit.
Clarkson started the season with a 7-2 record in Florida and begins the northern portion of the schedule when they visit St. John Fisher for a doubleheader at 1 pm Saturday in Rochester, NY.
March 21, 2003
WARHAWKS HALT KNIGHTS' PERFECT START TO SEASON
After starting the season a perfect 7-0, the Clarkson University Baseball team finally met their match, dropping a doubleheader to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 12-10 and 10-4 Friday afternoon at Fort Myers, FL.
The Golden Knights fell to 7-2 overall with the pair of losses and have St. John Fisher and Cazenovia scheduled next weekend at Snell Field in Potsdam, NY.
In the first game, J.J. Lorence (Liverpool, NY) allowed 12 hits over six innings and was in line for the victory as the Golden Knights led 7-5 going into the seventh, but Clarkson struggled to record outs as the Warhawks, who improved to 2-0 on the season, tacked on seven runs in top of the seventh inning. The Golden Knights recovered in the bottom of the inning to score three runs, but dropped their first game of the season.
Brooks McMurry (West Palm Beach, FL) went 2-for-4 and drove home two runs while Matt Schwind (Hilton, NY) added two RBI. Brandon Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) was also 2-for-4 with a run scored and Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY) was 1-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored.
In the second game, the Warhawks continued to produce runs by scoring four in the first, three in the third and two more in the fourth to take a 9-4 lead. Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) led the Golden Knights in the second game by going 3-for-4 with two RBI, including two doubles and a triple. Mike Onisk (Baldwinsville, NY) hit the Golden Knights' 13th home run of the season when he cleared the leftfield fence in the second inning.
March 20, 2003
KNIGHTS EXTINGUISH FIRE, MOVE TO 7-0 WITH DOUBLEHEADER SWEEP
Thanks to another 24-hit attack over two games, the Clarkson University Baseball team swept both games of a doubleheader from Knox College, with scores of 3-1 and 16-0 Thursday afternoon at Riverdale High School near Fort Myers, FL.
The Golden Knights move to 7-0 on the season and are hitting .382 as a team with an average of 11.4 runs per game. Clarkson concludes its Florida baseball trip with a doubleheader against Wisconsin-Whitewater starting at noon on Friday.
Nick Huffman (Fulton, NY) picked up his second victory of the season in the opening game of the doubleheader versus the Prairie Fire, who fell to 3-3 on the season. Huffman allowed one earned run over seven innings, allowing just two hits and striking out five.
Matt Draper (Massena, NY) went 3-for-3 and drove home the first run of the game in the fourth inning. Draper scored the second run of the inning when Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY) reached first base on a dropped third strike. Matt Schwind (Hilton, NY) drove home the Golden Knights' third run of the inning when he plated Tom Lilienthal (Baldwinsville, NY).
To compliment Draper's performance, Schwind and Lilienthal each went 2-for-3.
In the second game, Stefan Casey (Waterbury, VT) picked up his first collegiate victory by allowing just four hits while striking out six over five scoreless innings. Kyle Seymour (Saranac, NY) and John Smith (Hermon, NY) both pitched scoreless innings to combine with Casey on the shutout.
The Golden Knights enjoyed another tremendous offensive outburst by scoring four runs in the third, two in the fourth, three in the fifth, and seven in the sixth inning. The Golden Knights hit four home runs in the second game. Brandon Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) went 3-for-4 with three RBI and a home run, while Macaulay was 3-for-5 with four runs scored and three RBI, all coming on a sixth inning 3-run home run. Chad Sydor (Troy, NY) was 1-for-2 with a third-inning, two-run homer and three RBI and J.J. Lorence (Liverpool, NY) hit a two-run homer in the sixth inning. Among non-home run hitters in the Golden Knights' second game, Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) was 2-for-3 with an RBI and Nate Markell (Massena, NY) was 1-for-4 with two runs scored and a two-run double.
March 19, 2003
CLARKSON WALLOPS AUGSBURG 27-10, SMITH DRIVES IN SIX
John Smith (Hermon, NY) hit two home runs, including a mammoth grand slam, to drive in six runs on three hits as the Clarkson University Baseball team decimated Augsburg 27-10 in a nine-inning game Wednesday afternoon at Fort Myers, FL.
The Golden Knights, who improved to 5-0 on the season, pounded out 26 hits in 50 at bats, batting at a .520 clip for the game. Fifteen different players produced at least one hit while 14 different players scored at least one run.
Dan Hojnacki (Attica, NY) was credited with the win for Clarkson, going six innings and striking out seven while allowing eight runs on eight hits. Hojnacki improved to 2-0 on the season.
The Golden Knights batted around three times and sent seven or more hitters to the plate on two other occasions, scoring three in the second, two in the third, seven in the fourth, eight in the sixth, two in the seventh and five runs in the eighth. Augsburg's offense started off just as hot, as the Auggies, who fell to 3-8-1, posted two runs in the second, one in the third and four in the fourth inning. They also tacked on a run in the fifth and two in the eighth.
Smith was one of many offensive standouts for Clarkson, batting 3-for-5 with six RBI and two home runs. He hit a two run home run to centerfield in the third inning and blasted another that landed well over 400 feet away from home plate for a grand slam in the sixth inning. Smith is now 8-for-15 on the season with three homers and 13 RBI.
Brandon Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) broke out of a slump with a 4-for-4 performance in which he hit a two-run homer and drove in three runs. Matt Schwind (Hilton, NY) was 2-for-6 with two runs scored and three driven in while Brooks McMurry (West Palm Beach, FL) went 2-for-2 with two RBI. Schwind is now 11-for-19 on the season with 11 RBI and McMurry is 8-for-13 with six walks.
Matt Draper (Massena, NY) went 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI and Andy Laughlin (Massena, NY) was 2-for-3 with three runs scored. Matt Boyle (Buxton, ME) hit a two-run homer in his first at bat of the season and Giovan Scialdone (Colonie, NY) hit a three-run blast in the eighth inning.
Evan Weaver (Lafayette, NY) relieved Hojnacki in the seventh inning and allowed one earned run over two innings while striking out one. Freshman Casey Ewald (Windsor, VT) pitched a scoreless ninth inning and struck out two.
Clarkson looks to improve on its 5-0 start when they face Knox College in a doubleheader, starting at 9:00 am Thursday.
March 18, 2003
CLARKSON WINS 14-10 SLUGFEST OVER POWERFUL ROWAN
John Smith (Hermon, NY) went 3-for-5 with a three-run home run and five RBI to help lead the Clarkson University Baseball team to a 14-10 win over Rowan University Tuesday afternoon at Bernard Collier Field in Naples, FL.
Andy Noonan (Central Square, NY) picked up the victory by allowing just one earned run in four innings of relief. Noonan struck out six and walked one. JJ Lorence (Liverpool, NY) started the game and allowed six hits over four innings. Mike Onisk (Baldwinsville, NY) came on in the ninth to close out the game.
The Golden Knights, who remain perfect on the season with a 4-0 record, enjoyed a 14-6 advantage with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning before a dropped third strike started a four-run rally for the Profs, who fell to 5-2.
Clarkson led off the scoring in the top of the first inning when Matt Schwind (Hilton, NY) drove home Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY) on a single. The Golden Knights added another when Schwind scored on a fielder's choice. The Profs followed with four in the bottom of the second, but the Golden Knights scored a third run in the following inning to cut Rowan's advantage. Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) drove home Schwind to make the score 4-3. Schwind drove in another run in the fourth inning to make the score 5-4 and then the floodgates opened for Clarkson. John Smith and Nate Markell (Massena, NY) each drove in runs and Schwind hit his second home run of the year, a two-run shot, giving the Golden Knights a 10-5 lead.
Smith hit his first home run of the season in the eighth inning, a three-run homer that drove in Tim and Brandon Barcomb (Cadyville, NY), and then added another RBI-single in the ninth inning to score Schwind.
Schwind went 3-for-5 with four runs scored and four RBI, pushing his start to 9-for-13 on the season with 8 RBI. Tim Barcomb went 2-for-6 with an RBI and a run scored while Macaulay and Brooks McMurry (West Palm Beach, FL) was 1-for-3 with three walks.
The Golden Knights face Augsburg College at noon Wednesday at Fort Myers, FL.
March 16, 2003
SCHWIND'S HOT START LEADS KNIGHTS TO SWEEP OVER WABASH
Senior outfielder Matt Schwind (Hilton, NY) went 4-for-6 with three runs batted in to help wake up the Clarkson University Baseball team's offense and lead the Golden Knights to a 8-0, 9-8 doubleheader sweep over Wabash College Sunday afternoon in Fort Myers, FL.
Sophomore Nick Huffman (Fulton, NY) held the Little Giants, who fell to 8-6 overall with the two losses, to six hits in the first game while striking out six and walking just one over seven innings. Huffman (1-0) has now won eight of his first 10 collegiate decisions.
The Golden Knights opened the scoring in the fourth inning on a sacrifice fly by Brandon Barcomb (Cadyville, NY), which plated Brooks McMurry (West Palm Beach, FL), who led off the inning with a single and moved up on an error and sacrifice bunt. Nate Markell (Massena, NY) scored the game's second run an inning later on a sacrifice fly by Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY). Clarkson scored six in the top of the seventh inning as Tim Barcomb (Cadyville, NY) and his brother Brandon each had hits that scored two runs. Andy Laughlin (Massena, NY) had two hits in the inning, scoring a run and driving in another, while Schwind added an RBI-single.
McMurry was 3-for-4 with a double in the first game, while Brandon Barcomb finished with three runs driven in. Laughlin went 2-for-4 and Schwind was 2-for3.
In the second game, Tim Barcomb drove in the game-tying and go-ahead run in the bottom of the sixth inning with a two-out triple. The Golden Knights trailed 4-0 after two innings, but rallied to tie the game in the third with Schwind and Chad Sydor (Troy, NY) contributing run-scoring singles. Rob Cowin (Albany, NY) and Barcomb scored runs on a passed ball and an error. After falling behind again, 7-4, the Golden Knights came within a run when Sydor scored on a wild pitch and Schwind drove in McMurry with a two-out single.
AJ Podlucky (Grand Island, NY) picked up his first collegiate victory, pitching to only one batter in the top of the sixth inning. Sophomore Mike Onisk (Baldwinsville, NY) came on to pitch a scoreless seventh inning to earn his second save of the season. Six pitchers appeared in the second game after Huffman's complete-game effort in the first contest.
Sydor, McMurry, and Tim Barcomb each went 2-for-4 in the second game, while Schwind went 2-for-3. Barcomb, Sydor and Schwind each had two RBI while Sydor scored three times.
With the two wins, Clarkson moves to 3-0 on the season. The Golden Knights face Umass-Boston in a doubleheader starting at 9:00 a.m. Monday morning.
March 15, 2003
HOJNACKI HOLDS DOWN MACALESTER, KNIGHTS WIN 3-2
The Clarkson University Baseball team started the 2003 season on the right track Saturday afternoon, defeating MacAlester in a pitchers' duel 3-2 at North Fort Myers High School in Fort Myers, FL.
Sophomore Dan Hojnacki (Attica, NY) held the Scots, who fell to 3-5 overall, to two unearned runs and five hits over six and two-thirds innings. Hojnacki didn't allow a hit until the fourth inning and struck out five while walking just one. Mike Onisk (Baldwinsville, NY) came on in the seventh inning with two outs and runners on first and second to record the final out and earn the save.
The Golden Knights scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning to take an early advantage when sophomore John Smith's (Hermon, NY) single scored Matt Macaulay (Massena, NY) and Onisk. Clarkson added another run in the second on a solo home run by senior Matt Schwind (Hilton, NY), but the Golden Knights were held to just two hits in their final four at bats. Smith was 2-for-3 while Schwind went 2-for-2. Onisk was 1-for-2 with a double and was also hit by a pitch.
MacAlester scored their two runs in the top of the fifth inning when the Scots led off with a hit batsmen and a single. After a sacrifice bunt moved both runners into scoring position, a line drive ricocheted off second baseman Nate Markell's (Massena, NY) glove to plate both runners. However, Hojnacki induced two pop ups to end the threat.
The Scots' All-American second baseman Joel Brettingen (Minnetonka, MN) went 2-for-3 and Steve Derrington (Amery, WI) was 2-for-3. Marshall Mullenbach (Racine, MN) went six innings for MacAlester, allowing five hits and no walks with three strikeouts.
The Golden Knights face Wabash in a doubleheader starting at 9:00 a.m. Sunday, March 16th.
