On the offensive front, Amherst was held to just one run through the first six innings of play. In the seventh inning, however, the Jeffs exploded for eight runs, as Amherst pounded out seven hits, including doubles from Alex Coburn ’11, Kevin Heller ’12 and Scott Shaffer ’11. In the eighth inning, Nolan Stewart ’13 and Thomas Wheeler ’12 also contributed with RBI doubles, increasing the lead to nine runs. In addition, senior second baseman Will Lawton collected his 100th career hit with a bunt single in the seventh inning.
Amherst sent five different pitchers to the mound on Tuesday. Starting the game was Max McKenna ’11, who pitched for two innings. Dylan Joyce ’12, Ryan Healy ’11 and Hayden Metz ’12 also contributed with two innings pitched each. Closing out the game was Pat Harris ’11, who pitched a flawless ninth inning.
The 11-2 win gives Amherst a 14-9 record. The recent string of wins has the team excited to play more baseball, and with a tough weekend against Trinity and Eastern Connecticut coming up, the excitement may be necessary.
“There is no question this week is big for us and it is going to be a challenge to play great teams like Trinity and Eastern Connecticut,” said Heller. “However, it is our job to approach this week the same way we approached [other teams]. We’re going to stay loose and have a great week of practice and there is no question we will be ready for this weekend.”
The games against Trinity will be very important for the Jeffs, as the games will give the team a good idea of what they’ll face if they make it to the NESCAC Championship. Trinity is ranked 16th in Div. III baseball, and Eastern Connecticut is ranked 17th.
The players are aware that they need to play well, especially this late in the season. If the team is to make it to the playoffs, they’ll need to stop giving the other teams opportunities to score.
“I thought that the team played well [at Brandeis],” said Stewart. “With that being said, we definitely have some areas in which we need to improve. If we can learn from some of the mistakes that we made in our losses, and continue to improve as a group, I think we will be very successful.”
All three games this weekend will be played at Memorial Field. Saturday’s doubleheader with Trinity will begin at noon and Sunday’s matchup with Eastern Connecticut starts at 1 p.m.