WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - The TCNJ baseball team kicked off its spring break trip with a game against Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) Saturday afternoon, using a complete game on the mound from
Jackson Malouf and a late rally to top the Raiders 4-1.
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HOW IT HAPPENED:
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Malouf was on fire from the opening pitch Saturday, striking out seven of the first nine batters he faced to set the tone early. The Lions (4-4) registered a pair of hits in that span – one in both the first and third innings – but were unable to create any scoring chances. Instead it was MSOE opening the scoring in the fourth on an RBI single from Eli Lopez to take a 1-0 lead.
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TCNJ did not trail for long, however, needing just one hit to level things in the bottom of the fifth.
Mike LaGravenis drew a leadoff walk, advancing to second on a sacrifice bunt by
Jack O'Donnell before
Gianni Marano ripped a double to center field that hopped over the fence to score the senior.
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Malouf continued to mow down Raiders on the hill – the senior allowed just two hits after giving up the game's opening run – setting up the Lions to take a lead they would not lose in the seventh.
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O'Donnell got things started with a leadoff double, advancing to third on a grounder that brought
Justin Marcario to the plate. With two outs, the senior earned his first base knock of the day on a single to right field, scoring O'Donnell and giving TCNJ its first lead of the game.
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Insurance runs came in the bottom of the eighth off the bat of O'Donnell, with the junior's second double of the day scoring LaGravenis and
Jake Carter to make it a 4-1 game before Malouf retired the side to secure the complete game and hard-fought victory.
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STANDOUT LIONS
- Malouf tossed his first complete game of the season, allowing four hits and fanning a season-high ten batters in nine innings. The senior moves to 2-0 on the year.
- O'Donnell was a perfect 3-3 at the plate, leading the team in doubles (2) and RBIs (2).
- Marano was the other Lion to register multiple hits, finishing 2-5 with an RBI.
UP NEXT
- The Lions are back Sunday, March 16 to face off against Illinois Tech. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m.