MANCHESTER, NH — Southern New Hampshire University relied on utility player Sam Henrie with what looked like the final at-bat before extra innings in an electric start to this East Regional II tournament. The true sophomore turned it into a memorable one with the game-winning hit against the Assumption Greyhounds, sending the Penmen to the next round tomorrow at noon.
Fans at “Penway,” as the locals call the baseball field after Fenway in Boston, witnessed Henrie float the game-winning single over into left field, allowing redshirt sophomore Marcus Chavez to score from third, capturing the first win of the day for the #2 seed. Chavez got on base from a lucky shot over to right field then advancing all the way to third from an errant pass, setting up a favorable situation with 2 outs for Southern New Hampshire.
Penmen brought back graduate student Jake Walkinshaw to the mound. His last appearance was the NE-10 Championship and he redeemed himself nicely against the Greyhounds, going 6 innings with 6 hits and an earned run with 5 strikeouts. Walkinshaw had a respectable outing that led to junior Wesley Tobin and true sophomore Jeffrey Praml closing out the deal.
Four different batters collected RBIs at the plate and helped contribute to a team total of 11 hits. Redshirt senior Kevin Alexy crushed one over the fence in the bottom of the 8th, giving juice to this prolific offense.
Keeping the bats alive for Assumption was a necessary task. Going toe to toe from the beginning, the Greyhounds collected 10 hits on 3 runs. Senior outfielder Alex Richardson chipped in 2 RBIs but the tall task of upending the 2 seed came just short.
While awaiting the winner of LIU-Post and Felician, the Penmen now have one night to rejoice the victory, as Day 2 will be filled with more anxiety and excitement from Penmen Field.
