WINTER PARK, Fla. (February 2, 2017) - With the
opportunity to go 3-0 for the first time since 2012, Rollins
defeated Young Harris 7-6 to complete the series sweep.
Offensively, Rollins was led by Mike
Purcell once again. Purcell went 2-4 on the day, driving in 2
RBI and scoring twice. Peter
Nicoletto earned his first hit of the 2017 campaign in a big
way, lacing an RBI triple early in the game. Despite a pair of
Young Harris home runs, Rollins pitchers held their opponents in
check, combining for 7 strikeouts on the day.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
· The Tars jumped out to an early lead in the bottom
of the second, and never looked back. After a Mike
Purcell single, Peter
Nicoletto roped a line drive down the right field line for an
RBI triple.
· With two runners on, Purcell helped himself to his
first RBI of the game with a line drive base knock to right field.
Purcell was later driven in by a Philip
Burket double to give the Tars a 5-0 lead after the third
inning.
· Young Harris started to show a little life in the
top of the fourth, after Zach Beggs homered to right centerfield to
start the inning. The Mountain Lions went on to score twice more in
the inning, to bring them within two, 5-3.
· Rollins got one run back in the next half inning,
with a Mike
Purcell sacrifice fly to left field.
· Zach Beggs of Young Harris hit his second HR of
the game, this time a two run home run. The Tars answered in the
bottom half of the fifth, manufacturing a run with a BJ
Minarcin sacrifice bunt, making the score 7-5.
· Young Harris went on to earn one more run in the
top of the eighth before Joey
Vecchione came in with one out in the eighth to earn the five
out save. Pitching 1.2 innings, Vecchione only gave up one hit and
struck out two batters.
STANDOUT PERFORMERS:
· Mike
Purcell (RC) - 2-4, 2 RBI, 2 Runs
· Zach Beggs (YHC) - 2-5, 2 HR, 3 RBI
· Joey
Vecchione (RC) - SV, 1.2 IP, 2 SO
· Bryan Syphoe (YHC) - 3.0 IP, 0 Hits, 2 SO
NOTES:
· Tars extend their win streak to three, and start
their season 3-0 for the first time since 2012.
· Mike
Purcell went 6-12 across the series and leads the team with 3
RBI.
· Joey
Vecchione earned his second save of the season, both outings
were longer than one inning.
· With his RBI triple in the bottom of the second,
Peter
Nicoletto moved to second place in the all-time Rollins triples
list with 17.
NEXT:
Rollins continues their season next weekend at Alfond Stadium as
they host NCBWA Preseason No. 17 West Florida. For the latest news,
updates, and information on the Rollins baseball team, fans can
visit RollinsSports.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the
latest #TARnation news by following Rollins Sports on Facebook, Twitter,
and Instagram.
