Captain Jeff Leduc '02 dominated the Continentals in game one on Friday afternoon. The Jeff offense provided more than enough support for Leduc in the 5-1 victory. Leduc pitched a complete game, allowing only one run on six hits. After a rough outing against Wesleyan, Leduc has been on a tear of late, only allowing one run in his last three starts. Designated hitter Jarret Solomon '03 had his best game of the season, with three hits and an RBI. Left fielder Dave Powers '05 began his torrid weekend with two hits, a run and an RBI.
"This weekend we manufactured a lot of runs, stole some bases and did things we haven't been doing all season," said third baseman Matt Potter '04.
The first game of the doubleheader on Saturday put Dave Krauser '02 on the mound for the Jeffs. "I didn't have my best stuff, but it's easy to pitch with a lot of run support," said Krauser. Krauser went the distance allowing five hits and striking out seven in the 11-3 win. It was Krauser's fourth win of the year. "We knew they weren't the strongest team we've faced, but we have to take every team seriously," he added.
Powers continued his hot bat, banging out three hits, including two doubles and an RBI. This was in addition to the three runs he scored.
"Dave was the star this weekend," Potter said. "He was unbelievable. It feels great that the offense was able to support the pitchers and carry the team a little." Second baseman John Brody '02 and centerfielder Paul Whiting '04 each contributed two hits and two RBI. Eleven players pounded out 17 total hits for the Jeffs.
Duncan Webb '04 pitched his first complete game of the season in the second game of the doubleheader, as the Jeffs once again pulled away from the Continentals for a 9-1 victory. Webb earned his third win of the season, allowing only four hits.
"It's a good feeling as a pitcher knowing the offense scored 11 runs in the previous game," Webb said. "I knew the offense was going to score runs against whoever Hamilton threw." Webb was correct, as Dave Powers' three hits and two RBI once again led the offense. Potter added two hits and Solomon and Whiting scored two runs each.
Needing two wins against Williams this weekend to make the playoffs, the Jeffs must continue their recent hitting success to have a chance.
Powers' recent display of batsmanship gives the Jeffs a dangerous cleanup hitter behind Potter and John Schneider '03. Krauser feels like the Jeffs have what it takes to beat Williams.
"We're optimistic. We feel like we can definitely take two of three," said Krauser. "The toughest part is keeping Williams' offense in check. They are a strong offensive team."
If it boils down to a pitching duel, the Jeffs definitely have an advantage. "We're pretty much even with them, but we'll have a psychological advantage coming off this weekend," Webb said. "We'll definitely be pumped for Williams."
Saturday's doubleheader will be at home and the finale will be Sunday at Williams. "This is playoff baseball. There's so much at stake and this is such a big rivalry. Either way, playing Williams is going to be fun," Webb added.