AVELLA AND GRONSKY POWER HAWKS PAST QUINNIPIAC, 11-5

HAMDEN, CONN. - In the first game of a pivotal Northeast Conference series, the Monmouth University baseball team defeated Quinnipiac, 11-5, Friday afternoon at QU Baseball Field. The Hawks were paced offensively by sophomore Danny Avella's (Matawan, N.J./Christian Brothers Academy) two home runs and freshman Jake Gronsky's (Danville, Pa./Danville Area) career-high tying four RBIs, while starter Nick Meyers (East Brunswick, N.J./East Brunswick) picked up his fifth win throwing 8.0 innings.

Jamie Rosenkranz (Oakhurst, N.J./Ocean Township) earned a walk to lead the off the game and Gronsky followed with the single setting up Avella who took the first pitch over the right-center field wall giving the Hawks a 3-0 lead.

MU (14-12, 9-4 NEC) earned another run in the second on Gronsky's groundout, plating Josh Boyd (Port Murray, N.J./West Morris Catholic) who reached on an error pushing the Blue and White's lead to 4-0

QU recorded single runs in the home half of the second and third on a RBI groundout and run scoring base hit to bring the Bobcats within two, 4-2.

Monmouth unloaded in the fifth inning, posting seven runs on six hits. Senior Ryan Terry (Levittown, Pa./Harry S. Truman) reached on an error and Avella followed with his second round-tripper of the game and fifth of the season. With two outs, Cal Costanzo (Edison, N.J./Edison) singled which advanced Owen Stewart (Howell, N.J./St. Rose) to second who reached on fielder's choice. Boyd and Rosenkranz registered back-to-back RBI singles, scoring Stewart and Costanzo. Gronksy capped of the inning with a three-run home run, the first of his career, giving the Hawks a comfortable 11-2 advantage.

The Bobcats scored three runs in the final two innings to account for the final runs of the contest.

Meyers tied a career-high with his 8.0 inning outing allowing four runs, while striking out six in the victory. Freshman Andrew McGee allowed one run on one hit in an inning of work. QU's hurler Derek Lamaccia is saddled with the loss, as the starter threw 4.2 innings responsible for 10 runs on seven hits.

The Hawks and Bobcats continue their series tomorrow, April 9th, with a doubleheader slated for noon. Sophomores Pat Light (Colts Neck, N.J./Christian Brothers Academy) and Dan Smith (Marlton, N.J./Cherokee) are scheduled to take the hill for MU.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#12 Nick Meyers: LHP; 6' 2"; Sophomore

#33 Cal Costanzo: C; 5' 11"; Freshman

#1 Ryan Terry: IF; 6' 0"; Freshman

#4 Josh Boyd: OF; 6' 1"; Freshman

#24 Jamie Rosenkranz: IF; 5' 10"; Freshman

#21 Owen Stewart: IF; 6' 0"; Freshman

#16 Danny Avella: IF; 5' 11"; Freshman

#42 Pat Light: RHP; 6' 6"; Freshman

#22 Dan Smith: LHP; 6' 2"; Freshman

#29 Jake Gronsky: IF; 6' 1"; Freshman

#17 Andrew McGee: LHP; 6' 0"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#12 Nick Meyers
: 6' 2"; Sophomore
: LHP

#33 Cal Costanzo
: 5' 11"; Freshman
: C

#1 Ryan Terry
: 6' 0"; Freshman
: IF

#4 Josh Boyd
: 6' 1"; Freshman
: OF

#24 Jamie Rosenkranz
: 5' 10"; Freshman
: IF

#21 Owen Stewart
: 6' 0"; Freshman
: IF

#16 Danny Avella
: 5' 11"; Freshman
: IF

#42 Pat Light
: 6' 6"; Freshman
: RHP

#22 Dan Smith
: 6' 2"; Freshman
: LHP

#29 Jake Gronsky
: 6' 1"; Freshman
: IF

#17 Andrew McGee
: 6' 0"; Freshman
: LHP