Mike AvilesSpartans Split with Lions
The St. Thomas Aquinas baseball team split with Molloy College dropping the first game, 8-0 before coming back with a 3-1 victory. In the second game of the day the Spartans had a three run second inning putting them on top of the Lions. Strong pitching by Mike Aviles and Matt Marrotta held off Molloy for the remainder of the game.
Game One Recap: STAC 0 Molloy 8
Matt Smith was 3-5 and Matt Marotta was 2-4 however the Spartans struggled as they went scoreless for the game. Steven Stewart of Molloy College pitched a complete game shutout earning the win. T.J Gieig had a three run homerun in the fifth to open up the game for the Lions. Vin Malzahn, Kevin Connors and Fernando Peralta each had a hit for STAC.
Game Two Recap: STAC 3 Molloy 1
Molloy quickly got on the board scoring a run in the first inning to go ahead 1-0. The Spartans answered with a three run second inning as Dan Stroud drew a bases loaded walk to advance Malzahn home and tying up the game 1-1. Fernando Peralta reached on a fielders choice scoring Dan McDermott. Kevin Connors also scored on the play off a throwing error putting STAC ahead 3-1. Mike Aviles pitched five innings only allowing the one run and striking out five batters to earn the win. Matt Marotta earned the save giving up no hits and striking out three.
The Spartans will face Molloy again today in a 1:00 game at the Vet Memorial Field.
