Hello club baseball fans, it is with great joy that we inform you your favorite team is headed to Holly Springs, North Carolina from May 23rd-30thto participate in the Club Baseball World Series.
How did this happen?
The Eagles faced a difficult road. After beating Northeastern 2-1 in a three game series, Boston College dropped their series to Umass 1-2 despite incredible pitching performances from Kevin Haley (had a perfect game in the 7thinning) and Grady Dittmaier (left in the 6thwith a no-hitter). Due to these losses, BC had to sweep Uconn in the final weekend of the season to make the regional tournament. Fortunately, this is exactly what happened, and the Eagles found themselves in Philadelphia two weekends ago in the regional tournament.
In the first game, the #2 seed Eagles faced SUNY Brockport. Kevin Haley delivered a strong 5 inning performance and left with the lead in the 6thdue to help from strong offensive performances from Patrick Armand, Brett Layman, Jack Patrina, Tom Moschella, John McQuillen, and Colin O’Neill. After a critical 2 out single late in the game by Tyler Lockard put the Eagles up 2 runs, Shane Kelly managed to complete the elusive 3 2/3 inning save.
In Game 2 of the regional tournament, the Eagles found themselves up against Drexel, the team which eliminated them the year before. But what did James Allentuck say to elimination? “Not today.” Allentuck delivered a miraculous pitching performance, going 8+ shutout innings against an offensive powerhouse who scored double digit runs against the reigning national champion the game before. Patrick Calabrese was called upon for the final 3 outs, striking out the side. Notable performances around the diamond also included John McQuillen, who had a tremendous game defensively, acting like a brick wall at first base.
In Game 3, the Eagles faced off against reigning national champion Penn State. Grady Dittmaier, in his usual fine form, pitched 5 2/3 innings of 2 run baseball, while Patrick Calabrese came in for the final 4 outs. The Eagles won 8-3, but Stephen Loreng delivered a key blow with a home run to put the Eagles up 3-2 in the fourth inning. Colin O’Neill followed that up with a 6thinning bases clearing triple off the fence (absolute dagger) to send Penn State packing and the Eagles off to the World Series for the first time in program history!
The #7 seeded Eagles will face off against #2 Texas A&M on Friday, May 24that 2:45 P.M. Other notable events include a home run derby, in which the Eagles will be represented by power hitter Colin O’Neill. Jack Patrina will pitch to him, and Tyler Lockard and Shane Kelly will be his Gatorade/hype men. Updates to follow.
Boston College Club Baseball 