Bresett Continues Hot Streak In Split Versus Rochester

April 29, 2006

Rick Bittner struck out nine in a complete-game effort Saturday - photo by Chris Lenney

Potsdam, NY - Freshman Mike Bresett (Norwood, NY) produed five hits in seven at bats for the second straight doubleheader as the Clarkson University Baseball team split a Liberty League doubleheader against the University of Rochester, dropping the opener 7-6 before coming from behind for a 7-4 win in the nightcap on Saturday afternoon at Snell Field.

With the split, the Golden Knights moved to 17-15 overall and 10-7 in conference while Rochester moved to 14-18 and 13-7. The two teams will meet again on Sunday to try and solidify their spots in the Liberty League playoff race.

In the opener, the Yellowjackets jumped out to a 3-0 lead through the first three innings as the Golden Knights struggled in the field. Clarkson came back with three runs in both the fourth and fifth innings to take a 6-3 lead, but the Yellowjackets produced four runs on four extra-base hits in the top of the sixth to regain the lead. Ed Kahovec homered in the inning to pull Rochester within one run of the lead and Rochester pushed across two more with three more hits for the 7-6 advantage.

Clarkson's Mike Bresett went 4-for-4 with four RBIs in the first game, including a two-run triple, and Stefan Casey (Waterbury, VT) came through with a 3-for-4 performance, scoring twice. Kahovec drove in three for Rochester while Frank Infurna and Kurt Bednarcyk each went 2-for-4.

Neither starter was particularly sharp as Kevin Hickey (Clifton Park, NY) struggled with his control in one inning, but through five innings allowed just five hits and three earned runs. Rochester's Blair Veenema started off strong but was hit hard late as he lasted an out short of five innings, giving up six hits and five runs, all of which were earned. Chris Olsen earned the win for Rochester while John Fishback picked up the save.

In game two, the Golden Knights' Rick Bittner (Lancaster, NY) was hit hard in the first inning, giving up four runs on three hits, but the freshman settled down and finished a complete game effort with nine strikeouts. After Rochester's opening four-spot in the first, the Golden Knights chipped away with two runs in the second, a run in each of the fifth and sixth innings and then two more in the seven with another coming in their final at bat. Freshman Matt Holiday (Syracuse, NY) hit his second home run of the season, a solo shot to left field, to tie the game in the sixth inning.

Rob Cowin (Albany, NY) went 2-for-4 to lead Clarkson while Bresett was 1-for-3 with two runs scored and a run driven home. Dan Brien, JJ Vanderstyne and Devin Shane each went 2-for-4 for Rochester while Ed Kahovec finished up a solid doubleheader with a 3-for-4 effort.

With two stolen bases in game two, Cowin set the record for steals in a single season (19) and in a career (45).

Print Friendly Version