Baseball swept by Ashland with Findlay ahead
Chargers shutout by the Eagles; move to 8-18 overall and 1-12 in the GLIAC
Nathan McClallen
Issue date: 4/9/09 Section: Sports
The Hillsdale baseball team's schedule, yet again, called for a trip to a nationally ranked conference opponent on the road last weekend. They returned without a win.
After the three game series against No. 14 Ashland University, the Chargers now stand at 8-18 overall and 1-12 in the GLIAC.
In his first start since winning GLIAC Pitcher of the Week last week, senior Scott Monterastelli continued his pitching prowess by holding Ashland scoreless through five innings, giving up only two hits. Monterastelli said he feels some pressure to produce and go deep in games as a starter, since the team is still developing reliable middle relief pitchers.
After Ashland's Jacob Petkac whacked a two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth, Ashland's hitters were locked in at the plate. Hillsdale gave up an additional five runs in the seventh inning after holding the lead through six. They lost 7-3.
Freshman John Bonvillian led the team at the plate by going 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored.
Head coach Paul Noce said he was impressed with Bonvillian's performance in the leadoff spot. Bonvillian takes pitches well and has been heating up at the plate recently, Noce said. The lineup is in a constant state of adjustment, but Noce plans on giving Bonvillian more time batting leadoff.
During the double-header Saturday, Hillsdale was outscored by totals of 17-4 and 9-4.
"We got behind in too many counts," Noce said. "They are an especially outstanding hitting team."
In the first game, Ashland managed to cross at least one runner over the plate in every inning, including three instances of four or more runs. The lone bright spot for Hillsdale was again Bonvillian, who had a double, a run scored, a stolen base and two RBI in the second game.
While the Chargers' bullpen has struggled at times this season, Monterastelli said he has noticed improvement recently.
"We've got a couple guys who are starting to step up, so we are going to get it figured out," he said.
He named senior Ben Turner and freshman Will Tidwell as two of the best relievers of late. Currently, the team lacks an established closer, which Noce said, has been a problem.
Wednesday's games against Wayne State were postponed due to weather. The Chargers head to University of Findlay Friday and Saturday. The Oilers are 4-11 in the conference, but recently defeated Grand Valley State University on the road.
"If we throw strikes and get some timely hits, we'll be all right," Monterastelli said. "Right now all we can do is get better."
After the three game series against No. 14 Ashland University, the Chargers now stand at 8-18 overall and 1-12 in the GLIAC.
In his first start since winning GLIAC Pitcher of the Week last week, senior Scott Monterastelli continued his pitching prowess by holding Ashland scoreless through five innings, giving up only two hits. Monterastelli said he feels some pressure to produce and go deep in games as a starter, since the team is still developing reliable middle relief pitchers.
After Ashland's Jacob Petkac whacked a two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth, Ashland's hitters were locked in at the plate. Hillsdale gave up an additional five runs in the seventh inning after holding the lead through six. They lost 7-3.
Freshman John Bonvillian led the team at the plate by going 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored.
Head coach Paul Noce said he was impressed with Bonvillian's performance in the leadoff spot. Bonvillian takes pitches well and has been heating up at the plate recently, Noce said. The lineup is in a constant state of adjustment, but Noce plans on giving Bonvillian more time batting leadoff.
During the double-header Saturday, Hillsdale was outscored by totals of 17-4 and 9-4.
"We got behind in too many counts," Noce said. "They are an especially outstanding hitting team."
In the first game, Ashland managed to cross at least one runner over the plate in every inning, including three instances of four or more runs. The lone bright spot for Hillsdale was again Bonvillian, who had a double, a run scored, a stolen base and two RBI in the second game.
While the Chargers' bullpen has struggled at times this season, Monterastelli said he has noticed improvement recently.
"We've got a couple guys who are starting to step up, so we are going to get it figured out," he said.
He named senior Ben Turner and freshman Will Tidwell as two of the best relievers of late. Currently, the team lacks an established closer, which Noce said, has been a problem.
Wednesday's games against Wayne State were postponed due to weather. The Chargers head to University of Findlay Friday and Saturday. The Oilers are 4-11 in the conference, but recently defeated Grand Valley State University on the road.
"If we throw strikes and get some timely hits, we'll be all right," Monterastelli said. "Right now all we can do is get better."
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