University of the Sciences in Philadelphia
  Men's Baseball   
Stories & Highlights
2009
season
 

Cougars Complete Three Game Sweep of Devils (4/25/09)

Defending Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference baseball champions Caldwell College completed the sweep of the season series against the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia with a pair of wins in Saturday’s doubleheader at Smith Field in Parsippany, New Jersey, 11-4 and 15-2.

In the opener the Devils got a career-high three hits from freshman Jeff Murtha (LaSalle College HS/Worcester, Pa.) along with two hits apiece from sophomore Pete LaRocco (Gloucester Catholic HS/Sewell, N.J.) and senior David Kittle (Camden Catholic HS/Maple Shade, N.J.). Kittle also had three RBI and a home run in the game. Senior Pete McCauley (Northwestern Lehigh HS/New Tripoli, Pa.) took the loss, falling to 0-5 on the year. McCauley gave up all 11 runs (10 earned) in 7 2/3 innings of work.

Caldwell (14-18, 10-11 CACC) started the scoring with four runs in the first inning before the Devils (3-34, 2-18 CACC) cut the lead in half with two runs in the third. USP loaded the bases with one out for Kittle who singled down the left field line to score Ryan Challender (G.A.M.P/Upper Darby, Pa.) (reached on walk) and Murtha (singled), making the score 4-2.

The Cougars added a single run in the third and three more in the fourth to boost their lead to 8-2 before Kittle led off the sixth with his second home run of the season. LaRocco scored in the seventh on an error to make the score 8-4 before Caldwell added three more runs in the eighth inning, two coming from a two-run home run by Jorge Torres, the last of three dingers hit by the Cougars in the game. Torres blast made the final score 11-4.

In the nightcap, another USP freshman recorded a three-hit game, first baseman Lou Tomasetti (Monsignor Bonner HS/Drexel Hill, Pa.). Junior Mark Forbes (Salesianum HS/Hockessin, Del.) added two hits and McCauley a solo home run, but the Cougars took advantage of four more errors by the Devils to win easily, 15-2. Freshman Luke Peyton (Haddonfield HS/Haddonfield, N.J.) took the loss, pitching three-plus innings, allowing nine runs (four earned).

The four errors gave the Devils a total of 13 errors for the three-game series and increased their season total to 110 in 37 games, second most in the nation behind Oklahoma Panhandle State University’s 114 (in 42 games).

Caldwell jumped out to a 5-0 lead before Forbes put the Devils on the scoreboard with an RBI single in the top half of the third. Caldwell got the run back in the bottom of the inning and added five more in the fourth, three of which were unearned runs, boosting their lead to 11-1.

McCauley’s solo home run made the score 11-2. Caldwell added two more runs in the fifth and two more in the sixth to make the final score 15-2.

Caldwell defeated the Devils in the opening game of the series 18-7 on Friday at Richie Ashburn Field. Both teams combined to use 14 pitchers and a total of 40 players. McCauley, Forbes and sophomore Mark Perry (Toms River South HS/Toms River, N.J.) had two hits apiece amongst the Devils’ 10 hits. Senior Brian Scott (Cornwall Central HS/Cornwall, N.Y.) drove in two runs with a double in the third inning.

USP returns to action on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 when they face Philadelphia University in the first of three games against their area rival. Tuesday’s contest will be at Philadelphia University’s field starting at 4:00 p.m. On Wednesday the Devils will play the Rams in a doubleheader at Richie Ashburn Field starting at 2:00 p.m. USP will return to the Ram’s field on Thursday, to play a make-up game against Post University and will travel to Dominican College on Friday for the first of three against the top team in the East Region. The Devils will close out their season with a doubleheader at Ashburn Field on Saturday, May 2, 2009.

Golden Falcons Rally to Defeat Devils (4/18/09)

Felician College used a four-run fourth inning to overcome a 2-1 deficit as the hung on to defeat the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia 5-3 at Breslin Field in Lyndhurst, New Jersey.

The game was the first in a three game series that will resume with a doubleheader on Sunday, April 19, 2009 at Richie Ashburn Field in Philadelphia starting at noon. The loss drops the Devils record to 3-28 overall and 2-12 in Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference games. Felician improves to17-16 overall and 7-7 in league play.

Junior Brandon Boucher (Washington Twp. HS/Sewell, N.J.) took the loss for the Devils. Boucher pitched 5 1/3 innings allowing all five runs and ten hits while striking out four. Sophomore Mark Perry (Toms River South HS/Toms River N.J.) went 2-for-4 and drove in two runs. Freshman Dennis Murphy (St. Joseph Prep HS (Pa.)/Mullica Hill, N.J.) also went 2-for-4 and scored a run.

The Golden Falcons struck first with an unearned run in the second inning as Chris Fogleman single and advanced to second on a failed pickoff attempt and throwing error by Boucher. Anthony Balmos then drove him in with a single.

The Devils came back with two runs in the top half of the fourth. Murphy singled to lead off the inning and sophomore Pete LaRocco (Gloucester Catholic HS/Sewell, N.J.) followed with a walk. Junior Mark Forbes (Salesianum HS/Hockessin, Del.) then singled to load the bases and two batters latter, Perry lashed a single down the left field line to score LaRocco and Murphy and give the Devils a 2-1 lead.

Trailing, 2-1, heading into the home half of the fourth, Felician tied the game on a run-scoring groundout by Evan Mancini. The Golden Falcons then strung together four consecutive two-out hits. Alex Del Valle doubled to left field to drive in the go-ahead run, and Marcos Torres followed with a two-run single, giving Felician a 5-2 lead.

Golden Falcon starting pitcher Danny Conti (3-1) and four relievers made the lead stand up. Conti gave up two runs on five hits in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out eight batters and walked two. The Devils took advantage of two Felician errors in the eighth to plate their final run as senior David Kittle scored on a throwing error by Torres to make the score 5-3. After Felician gave up the unearned run, Jeff Calabrese worked a hitless ninth for his second save.

The series concludes on Sunday at Richie Ashburn Field.

Peyton Solid in First Collegiate Start, but Devils Still Lose (4/10/09)

Freshman Luke Peyton struck out ten batters and gave up six hits in his first collegiate start for the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia men’s baseball team in the second game of their doubleheader against Post University on Friday at Richie Ashburn Field. However, the Devils wound up on the short end of a 2-0 score as the Eagles completed the doubleheader sweep.

The Eagles won the first game by a score of 9-2. The two wins improve their record to 17-9 overall and 7-5 in Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference games. The Devils fall to 3-26 overall and 2-10 in league play.

Peyton (Haddonfield HS/Haddonfield, N.J.) had a shaky first two innings, giving up runs in the first and second, but allowed just one hit the rest of the way while pitching a complete game. Taking the loss, he falls to 1-1 on the season. Benn Schoenberg, Peyton’s pitching opponent, was equally impressive, allowing just three hits and striking out seven while pitching a complete game shutout.

The Devils played one of the best defensive games of the season, coming out with a revamped and realigned defensive setup that committed just one error in the entire game (in the first inning); something they have done very few times throughout their first 31 games. However, while the defense was impressive, the offense was lacking, managing just three hits, all singles and a total of only four base runners the entire game.

The Devils had the tying run batting and a runner on second in both the fourth and fifth innings but left them stranded at second both times. In the sixth, senior David Kittle (Camden Catholic HS/Maple Shade, N.J.) reached first on an error to start the inning but was subsequently thrown out on an ill-advised steal attempt. The Devils had one last chance in their final at-bat as senior Pete McCauley (Northwestern Lehigh HS/New Tripoli, Pa.) singled and was replaced on the base paths by a pinch runner. USP’s next batter, senior Brian Scott (Cornwall Central HS/Cornwall, N.Y.) then grounded into a double play to erase any threat. Sophomore Pete LaRocco (Gloucester Catholic HS/Sewell, N.J.) then struck out to end the game.

Post got their two runs in the first two innings. Corey Huffine tripled in the first and came in to score on Tyler Wilschitz’s single. In the second, a leadoff walk to Mike Moriarty was followed by three straight singles, the last by Huffine driving home Moriarty. After the Eagles scored the two runs to take the lead, they managed just one hit the rest of the way, but hung on for the 2-0 win.

In the opener, a five-run third inning against USP starter Gary Thompson (Timber Creek HS/Sicklerville, N.J.) was all the Eagles needed as they went on to win 9-2. Thompson took the loss to fall to 1-6 on the season, going five innings, allowing five runs on eight hits. Brendan Wyman got the win for the Eagles, striking out nine and allowing two runs on eight hits.

The game was scoreless until the third inning when Post scored five runs on six hits. Johnny Figueroa, Jim Conto, Joe Proscia, Moriarty were all credited with RBIs in the inning. The Eagles had another solid inning in the seventh scoring three more runs. This time Moriarty brought in Proscia to score the first run. Jose Reyes followed with a triple, scoring both Moriarty and Donnie Dlabola.

Trailing 8-0 the Devils bats came to life in the eighth inning, getting half their hit output for the game in this one half-inning. Scott led off with a hit to centerfield but was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double. Freshman Lou Tomasetti (Monsignor Bonner HS/Drexel Hill, Pa.) and Kittle followed with singles. Senior Michael Kleinschmidt (St. Mark’s HS/Newark, Del.) then doubled to score the first USP run. Junior Dustin Gill (Delone Catholic HS/Hanover, Pa.) then lifted a sacrifice fly to score Kittle with the second run and make the score 8-2 before McCauley flied out to end the inning.

The Eagles added one more run in the ninth to make the final score 9-2.

USP returns to action on Monday, April 13, 2009 when they travel to northern New Jersey to take on Bloomfield College in a rescheduled conference game that was originally set to be played on Friday, April 3, 2009 and was postponed due to weather.

Devils on Wrong End of Doubleheader Sweep (4/8/09)

Mark Forbes hit his first collegiate home run but that was about the only highlight on the afternoon that the Devils produced as Chestnut Hill College swept a baseball doubleheader from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia 15-3 and 7-2 at Hostelley Field in North Wales, Pennsylvania on Wednesday.

The two losses drop the Devils record to 3-24 overall and 2-8 in league play. Chestnut Hill improves to 12-16 overall and 7-6 in Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference games.

USP was already trailing 8-0 in the opener when Forbes (Salesianum HS/Hockessin, Del.) blasted a pitch from the Griffins pitcher Robert Williams over the left field fence for the Devils first run of the game in the fourth inning. It was only the second USP hit of the night to that point, the other being a leadoff single by senior Michael Kleinschmidt (St. Mark’s HS/Newark, Del.) in the first inning. The junior catcher would get another hit, a single in the sixth before leaving the game for a pinch runner. Senior Brian Scott (Cornwall Central HS/Cornwall N.Y.) had an RBI single in the fifth and juniorDustin Gill (Delone Catholic/Hanover, Pa.) and RBI single in the ninth to account for the remainder of USP's five hits in the game.

The Griffins tagged USP starter and losing pitcher Greg Nealis (Episcopal Academy/Drexel Hill, Pa.) (1-2) for six runs (four earned) in just 1 2/3 innings pitched. After Forbes' home run made the score 8-1, Chestnut Hill scored twice more in the bottom of the fourth and again in the bottom of the fifth to lead 12-1. The Griffins added two in the seventh and another in the eight before the Devils scored their final run in the ninth to make the final score 15-3.

Chestnut Hill had 15 hits in the opener from ten different players, including a two run home run from George Kochu in the first inning and a two-run shot from Andre Donofry in the third. Donofry and Carlo Petrillo drove in three runs apiece. Williams picked up the win to improve to 2-4, going seven innings, allowing two runs on four hits and striking out six.

USP's offense did not fare much better in the second game as they only produced five hits for the second straight game, losing 7-2. Senior Pete McCauley (Northwestern Lehigh HS/New Tripoli, Pa.) took the loss, pitching a complete game. McCauley allowed ten hits and seven runs in six innings pitched while striking out two. USP got two hits from Gill, including an RBI single in the fifth. Senior David Kittle (Camden Catholic HS/Maple Shade, N.J.) also drove in a run in the fifth and had a single in the third. Forbes and sophomore Pete LaRocco (Gloucester Catholic HS/Sewell, N.J.) had the other two USP hits, both singles.

Chestnut Hill got three hits from Alex Latchum and two apiece from Petrillo and Mike Knipe. Kochu also hit his second home run of the doubleheader , a solo shot in the third. Petrillo had two RBI and Knipe drove in three, two on a two-run home run in the fifth.

The Griffins took a 4-0 lead into the fifth inning when the Devils scored their only two runs, cutting the lead to 4-2. Gill singled to score LaRocco who had singled earlier in the inning and later scored when Kittle reached on a one-out error. Chestnut Hill scored three times in the bottom of the fifth to make the score 7-2, which would later become the final result.

The Devils return to action on Friday, April 11, 2009 when they host Post for a three game series to be played on Friday and Saturday. Friday's game is a 2:00 p.m. start. Saturday is noon, weather permitting and subject to change.

Peyton Earns First Collegiate Win as Devils Split with Deacons (4/5/09)

Freshman Luke Peyton earned the first win of his collegiate career as the Devils hung on to win the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader against Bloomfield College 7-6 at Richie Ashburn field in Philadelphia.

The Deacons came back and won the second game 12-2 in five innings as the game was called on account of darkness. The split gives the Devils a 3-22 overall record and a 2-6 record in Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference games, moving them out of last place in the league standings. Bloomfield’s record now stands at 7-16 overall and 4-4 in league play.

Peyton (Haddonfield HS/Haddonfield, N.J.) pitched four innings of scoreless relief to earn his first college win for the Devils. Peyton did not allow a hit while walking two batters and striking out two after entering the game in the sixth inning with two runners no base, both of which later scored on an error by first baseman Mark Perry (Toms River South HS/toms River, N.J.) and were charged to starting pitcher Gary Thompson (Timber Creek HS/Sicklerville, N.J.).

Junior Mark Forbes (Salesianum HS/Hockessin, Del.) had three hits and an RBI while senior Pete McCauley (Northwestern Lehigh HS/New Tripoli, Pa.) drove in pair of runs with a pair of singles. Senior Brian Scott (Cornwall Central HS/Cornwall N.Y.) also went 2-for-3. USP banged out 11 hits.

Bloomfield leftfielder Alberto Ruiz had two hits and drove in a run while centerfielder Anderson Minyetty drove in two runs with a double. The Deacons had just five hits in the game.

Thompson was perfect through three innings of work and the Devils staked him to a 3-0 lead with three runs in the bottom of the third. Senior Michael Kleinschmidt (St. Mark’s HS/Newark, Del.) drew a one-out walk and advanced on senior David Kittle’s (Camden Catholic HS/Maple Shade, N.J.) single. McCauley followed with a single to score Kleinschmidt for USP’s first run. Forbes then blasted a double into left center, scoring Kittle. McCauley then scored on Perry’s sacrifice fly.

Bloomfield got their first hit off Thompson in the top half of the fourth, eventually loading the base with one out. The lefthander then struck out Edgardo Fernandez looking followed by a fly out to right field to end the threat.

The Devils came back with three more runs in the fourth to take a 6-0 lead. Singles by Scott and freshman Lou Tomasetti (Monsignor Bonner HS/Drexel Hill, Pa.) paved the way for two runs as both came home on a dropped fly ball by the Bloomfield left fielder, allowing Kittle to reach second safely. McCauley then had his second hit and second RBI of the game, knocking in Kittle to make the score 6-0.

BC’s Minyetty provided the spark in the fifth as the Deacons scored four times to cut the lead to 6-4. His double brought home the first two Deacon runs and he later stole home as part of a double steal to make the score 6-3. Ruiz then delivered a two-out RBI double to make the score 6-4.

The Devils again threatened in the bottom of the fifth, loading the bases with none out but failed to score. Thompson started the sixth by walking the first two batters before giving way to Peyton. Peyton balked the two runners into scoring position and both later scored as Perry bobbled a throw from shortstop McCauley for what would have been the third out, as the Deacons tied the game at 6-6.

USP went back on top, 7-6 in the bottom half of the sixth inning courtesy on an error by Bloomfield pitcher Brad Smith. With McCauley on third and Forbes on first, Forbes drew several throws over from the mound in an attempt to hold him at first. One throw was low and bounced to the side of the BC first baseman. McCauley came sprinting home and beat a throw to the plate to give USP a 7-6 lead.

Peyton took over from there, allowing just two Deacon base runners the rest of the way, both on walks as the Devils hung on for the 7-6 win. The former Haddonfield HS athlete is now 1-0 for the Devils.

In the nightcap, Bloomfield banged out 14 hits against four USP pitchers as they went on to win 12-2 in a game shortened to five innings because of darkness.

The Devils managed just two hits against BC starter Steven Godowski and scored both runs as a result of BC miscues. Kittle and McCauley were the only two players to get a hit of Godowski who struck out 12 USP batters. Sophomore Adam Kissinger (Egg Harbor Township HS/Egg Harbor Township, N.J.) took the loss, giving up eight runs on nine hits in 3+ innings of work.

Christian Rosa had four hits and an RBI while Ricky Maldonado and Alex Sepulveda had three hits apiece for the Deacons. Sepulveda drove in three runs.

BC took advantage of two errors in the first inning to jump out to a 2-0 lead. The Devils made it 2-1 in the bottom of the first as freshman Dennis Murphy (St. Joseph Prep HS (Pa.)/Mullica Hill, N.J.) scored on a passed ball after walking and advancing on the singles by Kittle and McCauley.

The Deacons scored four times on five hits in the third and added three more on four hits in the fourth to take a 9-1 lead before the Devils added another run in the fourth. Tomasetti reached on an error and later came around to score via two more BC errors to make the score 9-2. The Deacons finished out the scoring with three more runs in the fifth to make the score 12-2. Godowski struck out McCauley, Forbes and Perry looking in the bottom of the fifth before the game was called.

The Devils return to action on Wednesday, April 8, 2009 with a doubleheader at Chestnut Hill College before returning home for a three-game series with Post University starting on Friday afternoon at Richie Ashburn Field. Check out the USP website for times.

Wilmington Slams Devils (4/1/09)

Wilmington University scored seven times in the first inning, fueled by a grand slam home run by Evan Zechman as they went on to defeat the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia 14-6 in a Central atlantic Collegiate Conference baseball game at Richie Ashburn Field in Philadelphia on Tuesday afternoon.

The loss drops the Devils record to 2-21 overall and 1-5 in CACC games. Wilmington improves to 14-12 overall and 5-2 in league play.

Sophomore Zach Noel (Delone Catholic HS/Littlestown, Pa.) took the loss for the Devils, lasting just 2/3 of an inning and giving up seven runs (two earned) on five hits to fall to 0-2 on the season. Freshman Greg Nealis (Episcopal Academy/Drexel Hill, Pa.) pitched 2 2/3 innings after reliving Noel, giving up six runs on six hits. Freshman Luke Peyton (Haddonfield HS/Haddonfield, N.J.) finished the game, pitching 5 2/3 innings and allowing one unearned run on three hits. while striking out eight. Senior Pete McCauley (Northwestern Lehigh HS/New Tripoli, Pa.) went 3-for-4 with an RBI while junior Mark Forbes (Salesianum HS/Hockessin, Del.) went 2-for-5 and senior Michael Kleinschmidt (St. Mark’s HS/Newark, Del.) went 2-for-4. Forbes and Kleinschmidt also had an RBI apiece.

Jerry McLaughlin earned the win for the Wildcats pitching seven innings and allowing five runs on ten hits, improving to 2-0 on the season. Cody Holliday had three hits while Zechman added two hits and four RBI. Matt Umba, Brandon Scott and Jordan Oncay also had a pair of hits apiece as the Wildcats banged out 14 hits. Oncay, Scott and Drew Anusky also drove in two runs apiece.

Noel was in trouble early, giving up one-out singles to Umba and Holliday early in the first. Anusky reached on an error allowing Umba to score and Oncay followed with a single to score Holliday. Mike Godwin then delivered the fourth single of the inning, plating Anusky with the third Wildcat run. After Scott flied out with what would have been the third out had it not been for the error, Phil Aviola walked to load the bases. Zechman then took a 3-1 pitch from Noel and hit a line drive straight over the leftfield fence for a grand slam and a 7-0 Wilmington lead. The blast also sent Noel to the dugout. Nealis came in to complete the inning without any further damage.

USP got two runs back in the bottom of the inning as McCauley delivered a one out double to score freshman Dennis Murphy (St. Joseph’s Prep HS (Pa.)/Mullica Hill, N.J.) who had reached on an error. Forbes followed with a single and sophomore Mark Perry (Toms River South HS/Toms River, N.J.) then doubled to score McCauley. Forbes was later out at the plate on a fielders choice as the Devils did not score the rest of the inning.

The Wildcats struck again in the fourth, scoring six times against Nealis to take a 13-3 lead. The Wildcats got an RBI double from Holliday, run scoring singles from Anusky and Oncay and as well as a double from Scott which plated two runs. The Wildcats again loaded the bases, chasing Nealis from the mound and bringing on Peyton. Peyton's first batter JT Gregory flied out to rightfield allowing Scott to score. Aviola, who was on second was thrown out trying to take third on the play to end the inning.

Sophomore Pete LaRocco (Gloucester Catholic HS/Sewell, N.J.) singled to start the fourth and was followed by a double from freshman Lou Tomasetti (Monsignor Bonner HS/Drexel Hill, Pa.). In infield groundout from Dustin Gill (Delone Catholic/Hanover, Pa.) scored LaRocco and Tomasetti later scored on Kleinschmidt's single. Two batters later senior David Kittle (Camden Catholic HS/Maple Shade, N.J.) singled to score Kleinschmidt. McCauley then singled to load the bases before Forbes grounded into an around-the-horn double play to end the inning and the USP threat with the Wildcats leading 13-5.

Wilmington added an unearned run in the seventh on a throwing error which allowed Zechman to score while the Wildcats were attempting a double steal, making the score 14-5.

The Devils scored once more in the ninth as McCauley recorded his third hit of the night, a two-out single. Freshman Jeff Murtha (LaSalle College HS/Worcester, Pa. than ran for McCauley and came around to score on Forbes' long double to make the score 14-6. Perry then grounded weakly to first to end the game.

The Devils return to action on Friday, April 3, 2009 when they face CACC rival Bloomfield College in a single game in Bloomfield, New Jersey. Game time is 3:30 p.m.

Warriors Take Two from Devils; Complete Three Game Sweep (3/29/09)

After winning the opener of this weekend’s three game series against the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, 9-8, the Nyack College baseball team completed the three-game series sweep, defeating the Devils 18-9 and 4-3 Saturday afternoon in Nyack, New York.

The three losses drop USP’s record to 2-20 overall and 1-4 in Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference games. Nyack improves to 8-4 overall and 4-1 in league play.

USP had nine hits in the opener but for the second straight game were plagued by errors, committing seven in the game. Sophomore’s Mark Perry (Toms River South HS/Toms River, N.J.) and Pete LaRocco (Gloucester Catholic HS/Sewell, N.J.) had two hits apiece while senior Michael Kleinschmidt (St. Mark’s HS/Newark, Del.) and junior Dustin Gill (Delone Catholic/ Hanover, Pa.) drove in two runs apiece. Senior Pete McCauley (Northwestern Lehigh HS/New Tripoli, Pa.) took the loss, pitching 4 2/3 innings, giving up five runs on nine hits while striking out one.

Kevin Earlie got the win for the Warriors, going 6 1/3 innings and giving up two runs on two hits. His teammates banged out 17 hits with Christian Almonte recording three of them. Six others had two hits apiece. Cody Levins drove in four runs, including three with a bases clearing double in the eighth inning. Phil Messerian and Jonathan Mott had two RBI’s apiece.

USP had a 2-0 lead going into the bottom of the fifth inning before the Warriors struck for five runs on five hits to take a 5-2 lead. Nyack added a single run in the sixth and two more in the seventh to lead 8-2 before the Devils scored twice in the eighth; first on Gill’s sacrifice fly and then on Kleinschmidt’s RBI single.

In the bottom of the inning, the floodgates opened as Nyack scored ten times on five hits while taking advantage of four USP errors to take an 18-4 lead. USP scored five more times in the ninth on RBI singles from McCauley, Perry and LaRocco, a bases load walk to Gill and a sacrifice fly by Kleinschmidt. However the deficit was too great and the Devils dropped their second straight to the Warriors, 18-9.

Nyack made it a clean sweep of the season series with a 4-3 win in the nightcap. The Warriors scored three times in the first inning and never trailed. Levins had two of Nyack’s seven hits and picked up his second save in as many days in relief of starter Pierre Crespo. Crespo went 6 1/3 innings, giving up six hits and all three USP runs.

Gill had two of USP’s seven hits while Kleinschmidt, freshman Dennis Murphy (St. Joseph’s Prep HS (Pa.)/Mullica Hill, N.J.) and senior David Kittle (Camden Catholic HS/Maple Shade, N.J.) each drove in a run. Gary Thompson (Timber Creek HS/Sicklerville, N.J.) took the loss for the Devils, going four innings and giving up three runs.

Three runs on four hits in the first inning staked the warriors to a 3-0 lead. The Devils came back with two runs in the fifth to cut the lead to one, 3-2. Kleinschmidt had a sacrifice fly to score the first USP run and Kittle delivered a two-out double to plate Gill with the second.

Leading 3-2, Levins walked to start the sixth and later came around to score on an infield error to make the score 4-2. Murphy had a sacrifice fly in USP’s final at-bat to pull the Devils within one 4-3 before Levins closed the door to pick up his second save of the season.

Levins earned his first save one day earlier at Richie Ashburn Field in Philadelphia as the Warriors withstood a five run rally by the Devils in the ninth inning to hold on and win the series opener 9-8.

USP out hit Nyack 13-12 but committed six errors that led to five unearned runs for the Warriors. McCauley and freshman Lou Tomasetti (Monsignor Bonner HS/Drexel Hill, Pa.) had three hits apiece. LaRocco added two hits. Five different players drove in runs for USP. Sophomore Adam Kissinger (Egg harbor Township HS/Egg Harbor Township, N.J.) took the loss, pitching six innings and giving up five runs on nine hits.

Taylor Getzke got the win for Nyack going seven innings and giving up three runs on nine hits. Levin pitched the final 1/3 inning for the save. Crespo went 3-for-5 and had four RBI while Zach McVadon added three hits.

USP led 2-1 going into the top of the fifth inning when Nyack scored three times after a two-out error by Kittle to take a 4-2 lead. Freshman Jeff Murtha’s (LaSalle College HS/Worcester, Pa.) sacrifice fly in the bottom of the sixth made the score 4-3 before Nyack scored twice more in the seventh and took advantage of USP errors by Kittle and McCauley in the eighth to score three times and take a 9-3 lead.

Down to their final at-bat, Gill started a rally in the ninth inning with a one out triple and later scored on a wild pitch. Kittle walked and stole second and moved to third on a McCauley single. Kittle then scored on sophomore Mark Forbes’ (Salesianum HS/Hockessin, Del.) sacrifice fly. Perry followed with a double to score freshman Luke Peyton (Haddonfield HS/Haddonfield, N.J.) (now running for McCauley) and Tomasetti was hit by a pitch to bring the tying run to the plate. LaRocco then singled to load the bases. Kleinschmidt then reached on an infield error as both Tomasetti and Perry scored to pull the Devils within one, 9-8. Pinch hitter Brian Scott (Cornwall Central HS/Cornwall, N.Y.) then struck out for the second time in the inning to end the game.

USP returns home to take on area rival Wilmington University in a single game on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at Richie Ashburn Field. The Devils split a doubleheader with the Wildcats last week. Game time is set for 3:30 p.m.

Devils Open Conference Play with a Doubleheader Split (3/25/09)

The University of the Sciences in Philadelphia Men’s Baseball team opened the conference portion of their season Wednesday afternoon splitting a doubleheader with regionally ranked Wilmington University at Wilson Field in Wilmington, Delaware.

USP won the opener, 8-3, snapping an 11-game losing streak. The Wildcats took the second game 5-2. USP improves to 2-17 overall and 1-1 in Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference games. Wilmington’s record is now 11-11 overall and 2-1 in league play.

Junior Mark Forbes (Salesianum HS/Hockessin, Del.) and senior Michael Kleinschmidt (St. Mark’s HS/Newark, Del.) had four hits and drove in two runs apiece in the opener as the Devils banged out 17 hits in the nine innings played. Freshman Greg Nealis (Episcopal Academy/Drexel Hill, Pa.) started and pitched eight innings, giving up three runs on nine hits while walking three and striking out two to earn his first collegiate win.

Jordan Oncay had three of the Wildcats nine hits and Matt Umba drove in two runs in the losing effort. Steve Messick (0-4) took the loss pitching 4 2/3 innings and giving up five runs on nine hits while striking out seven.

Freshman Dennis Murphy (St. Joseph’s Prep HS (Pa.)/Mullica Hill, N.J.), making his first start at third base, walked to lead off the game and later came around to score on senior David Kittle’s (Camden Catholic HS/Maple Shade, N.J.) RBI triple. Senior Pete McCauley (Northwestern Lehigh HS/New Tripoli, Pa.) brought home Kittle with a single to give the Devils a 2-0 lead. Kleinschmidt made the score 3-0 in the third with a two-out bases loaded single which scored Forbes.

The Wildcats got two back in the bottom of the third on an RBI double from Umba and an RBI single from Cody Holliday, the current CACC RBI leader, cutting USP’s lead to 3-2.

McCauley scored on a passed ball in the fifth to make the score 4-2 and Kleinschmidt singled home freshman Lou Tomasetti (Monsignor Bonner HS/Drexel Hill, Pa.) with the Devils fifth run. The Wildcats then got one back in the bottom of the inning scoring an unearned run off Nealis following an infield error, making the score 5-3.

USP added to their lead with solo runs in the sixth, eighth and ninth innings. Murphy singled to start the sixth inning and came around to score on Forbes RBI single. The Murphy-Forbes combination struck again in the eight as Murphy singled again; then stole second and scored on another Forbes hit. In the ninth, freshman Jeff Murtha (LaSalle College HS/Worcester, Pa.) delivered a two-out double to score Kleinschmidt with the final USP run.

Nealis put the first two batters on in the ninth before giving way to freshman Luke Peyton (Haddonfield HS/Haddonfield, N.J.). Peyton struck out the first two batters he faced before hitting Umba to load the bases. Holliday then flied out to end the game.

In the nightcap, the Wildcats got two hits apiece from Umba and Holliday and two RBI from Evan Zechman as the beat the Devils 5-2 to salvage a split. Anthony Cimabue got the win, going four innings and allowing two hits and two runs. Phil Aviola earned his second save of the season, pitching a scoreless seventh.

USP had just three hits in the game, two singles from sophomore Mark Perry (Toms River South HS/Toms River, N.J.) and a two-RBI double from Tomasetti. Gary Thompson (Timber Creek HS/Sicklerville, N.J.) took the loss to fall to 1-4 on the season.

Umba scored on a Drew Anusky double in the first. Thompson loaded the bases with Wildcats in the third and gave way to Peyton who walked home a run before giving up a two-out two-RBI single to Zechman to make the score 4-0.

The Devils cut the lead in half with a pair of runs in the fourth as Tomasetti delivered his two-out double to score Forbes, who had walked and Perry who had singled. Tomasetti went to third on a wild pitch before Aviola retired the next two batters to get out of the inning.

Wilmington scored their final run in the sixth inning. Matt Botting doubled and was sacrificed to third. Umba then drew a two-out walk, putting runners at the corners. The Wildcats attempted a double steal. Umba was thrown out and Botting scored the fifth and final run of the game.

The Devils return home for a single nine-inning conference game against Nyack College on Friday, March 27, 2009 at Richie Ashburn Field. Game time is 3:30 p.m.

Concordia Clips Devils (3/22/09)

The University of the Sciences in Philadelphia men’s baseball team are still seeking their first win up north as the Clippers of Concordia College swept a doubleheader 2-1 and 8-3 Saturday afternoon at Clipper Field in Bronxville, New York.

The two losses drop USP’s record to 1-14. Concordia improves to 10-10-1 with the sweep.

In the opener, senior Pete McCauley (Northwestern Lehigh HS/New Tripoli, Pa.) pitched a complete game, allowing just nine hits while striking three and walking none but wound up on the losing side of a 2-1 score. Junior catcher Mark Forbes (Salesianum HS/Hockessin, Del.) had three of the Devils five hits. McCauley and freshman Dennis Murphy (St, Joseph’s Prep (Pa.)/Mullica Hill, N.J.) had the other two.

USP put a run on the scoreboard in the second inning as Forbes doubled to lead off the inning and came around to score on an error by Clipper pitcher Tommy Paradise which allowed Mark Perry (Toms River South HS/Toms River, N.J.) to reach safely, giving the Devils a 1-0 lead.

Concordia tied it in the third with a single by Kenny Espinal a double by Donnie Roth and a sacrifice fly by Donny Madera. The score remained tied at 1-1 until the Clippers final at-bat in the seventh. Matt Shelley doubled to lead off the inning and came around to score on Espinal’s one-out single to win the game 2-1.

Espinal finished the game with three hits and an RBI and Paradise got the win.

In the nightcap, Concordia managed all of three hits against USP’s pitching but took advantage of the seven walks and five hit batters by four USP pitchers and four errors by the Devils defense to win 8-3. Peter Dennysenko earned the win for the Clippers, allowing five of the Devils six hits.

The Clippers jumped on USP starter Brandon Boucher (Washington Township HS/Sewell, N.J.) for three runs in the first inning with the big blow being a two-out two-run single by Shelley. Boucher gave way to Jarrad Gustin (Central Dauphin HS/Harrisburg, Pa.) who pitched two scoreless innings before getting into trouble in the fourth.

Two walks and an error led to the fourth Clipper run. An RBI single by Joe Vaskas put Concordia up 5-0, loaded the bases and chased Gustin from the mound. Luke Peyton (Haddonfield HS/Haddonfield, N.J.) came in and walked the first batter he faced to force in a run, making the score 6-0. After striking out Shelley for the first out. Peyton again walked in a run to make the score 7-0 before getting out the inning. Peyton gave up an unearned run in the sixth inning to make the score 8-0 before the Devils got on the board in their final at-bat.

The Devils loaded the bases in the seventh with nobody out before Brian Scott (Cornwall Central HS/Cornwall, N.Y.) lined into a double play, leaving runners on second and third. Perry followed with a double scoring both runner to make the score 8-2. Senior David Kittle (Camden Catholic HS/Maple Shade, N.J.) also hit a double to score Perry with the final USP run.

Boucher (0-2) took the loss for USP.

The Devils will travel to Lancaster area to face Millersville on Sunday, March 22, 2009 before opening conference play with a double header at Wilmington University on Wednesday, March 25, 2009.

West Chester Defeats Devils (3/12/09)

West Chester University scored six runs in the first four innings as they handed the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia men's baseball team their fifth straight loss, 10-1 in West Chester, Pennsylvania Thursday afternoon.

The loss drops USP's record to 1-10 overall. West Chester improves to 8-7.

USP got a home run from sophomore designated hitter Pete LaRocco (Gloucester Catholic HS/Sewell, N.J.), his first of the season. Sophomore Mark Perry (Toms River South HS/Toms River, N.J.) added two hits. Sophomore Adam Kissinger (Egg Harbor Township HS/Egg Harbor Township, N.J.) (0-3) suffered the loss on the mound for the Devils, pitching 3 1/3 innings.He allowed six runs on nine hits, walked two and did not strikeout anybody. Freshman Greg Nealis (Episcopal Academy/Drexel Hill, Pa.) came on in relief and pitched three innings, allowing just one run on one hit and struck out a batter. Junior Brandon Boucher (Washington Township HS/Sewell, N.J.) faced four batters and allowed three runs in the seventh and sophomore Jarrad Gustin (Central Dauphin HS/Harrisburg, Pa.) pitched the final 1 1/3 innings.

Matt Cotellese was 3-for-4 with three RBI and Nick Spisak hit a two-run triple to lead host West Chester. Joe Opalka (1-0) picked up the win, lasting five innings. He scattered three hits while striking out one and walking two. Brian Muldowney came on in relief and pitched two scoreless innings, striking out one and allowing four hits. Jordan Lehman pitched two hitless innings the rest of the way, striking out two.

West Chester had solo runs in the first and third innings before exploding for four runs in the fourth, highlighted by Spisak's two-run triple. LaRocco got the Devils on the board in the fifth, leading off the inning with a solo home run to make the score 6-1. The Devils did not threaten again until the seventh when they loaded the bases on two-out singles by Perry, freshman Dennis Murphy (St. Joseph's Prep HS( Pa.) /Mullica Hill, N.J.) and junior Dustin Gill (Delone Catholic HS/Hanover, Pa.) but failed to score. West Chester added three more in the seventh to make the score 9-1, highlighted by Kyle Orensky's two-run single and Charlie Kelly's RBI single. Two infield errors by USP led to West Chester's tenth and final run in the bottom of the eighth.

The Devils return to action on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 when they host these same West Chester University Golden Rams at Richie Ashburn Field. Game time is 3:30 p.m.

Devils Drop Game to Division I Villanova Wildcats (3/11/09)

Three University of the Sciences in Philadelphia pitchers limited Division I Villanova University to just six hits Wednesday afternoon but the Wildcats made the most of them, defeating the Devils 5-1 at Villanova Ballpark in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania.

The loss drops the Devils record to 1-9. Villanova improves to 6-6.

Junior starting pitcher Gary Thompson (Timber Creek HS/ Sicklerville, N.J.) held the Wildcats hitless through the first three innings of play as his teammates staked him to a 1-0 lead. Freshman Jeff Murtha (LaSalle College HS/Worcester, Pa.) opened the inning with a single and moved to third on a sacrifice and a groundout. Senior Pete McCauley (Northwestern Lehigh HS/New Tripoli, Pa.) followed with a double to left center field to score Murtha.

Leading 1-0, Thompson got the first out of the fourth inning before allowing back-to-back singles by Joe Cotter and Matt McFolling. Cotter later scored on a sacrifice fly to even the game at 1-1. One inning later, another sacrifice fly brought home the second Villanova run, giving the Wildcats a 2-1 lead.

Thompson gave way to sophomore Zach Noel (Delone Catholic HS/Littlestown, Pa.) in the sixth, leaving the game giving up just three hits and two runs while walking four and striking out two. Noel got Cotter to ground out for the first out before McFolling to a 1-0 pitch and put it over the fence down the rightfield line for his third home run of the season and a 3-1 'Nova lead. The score remained 3-1 until the eighth inning when Noel gave up two runs, one unearned to boost the Wildcats lead to 5-1. Freshman Luke Peyton (Haddonfield HS/Haddonfield, N.J.) entered the game and gave up one hit before retiring the side.

The Devils finished the game with just four hits. Thompson (1-2) took the loss. McFolling had three of Villanova's six hits and drove in two runs. Kyle McMyne earned the win for the Devils.

USP returns to action on Thursday, March 12, 2009 when they take to the road to face West Chester University at 3:30 p.m.

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