WILLIMANTIC, Conn. – Behind five solid innings by Alex Perez and 11 hits from the Pilgrims lineup, the New England College Baseball team took down No. 3 Eastern Connecticut State University 7-3, in non-conference action Sunday afternoon.

 
THE BASICS
Score:  New England College 7, No. 3 Eastern Connecticut State University 3
Records: Pilgrims (6-7, 1-1 NECC) | Warriors (12-2, 2-0 LEC)

HOW IT HAPPENED

Eastern Connecticut was the first team to get on the scoreboard, as Zach Donahue blasted a leadoff home run in the bottom of the first inning. The Pilgrims responded in the top of the second as they plated three runs in the frame. Harutaro Takahaski scored on a fielder's choice with one out in the inning before Devin Parsons drove in Tyler Gendron with his single to left field before scoring on a throwing error by the Eastern third baseman.

The Warriors would tie the game in the bottom of the third inning, as John Mesagno hit a two-run home run, plating Donahue on the play. New England College regained the lead in the top of the fifth inning. Luca Giallongo led off the frame with a single through the left side of the infield. He proceeded to steal second and third before scoring on a Connor Morin single to left. Singles from JD Normand and Tyler Gendron expanded the NEC advantage to 6-3.

In the top of the eighth, New England College added an insurance run, as Giallongo had a two-out double to center before scoring on Philibotte single to right.

Alex Perez picked up the win for New England College, as he went 5.0 innings with four hits and seven strikeouts.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• The New England College bullpen was solid, as they went 4.0 innings allowing just one hit while striking out two.
• NEC is now 5-5 against the Little East Conference opponents in their last ten games.
• The Pilgrims are now 4-1 in games that they score five or more runs.
• Eastern Connecticut still leads the all-time series 2-1.

UP NEXT

• NEC at Keene State, Tuesday, March 29, 3:00 pm
• ECSU vs. Wheaton, Tuesday, March 29, 4:00 pm