Knights sneak by UCAP in extras

Storrs, CT (April 28, 2021) – Playing on the home field of the UConn Huskies, Elliott Ballpark, the Northern Essex Community College baseball team played their first extra-inning game of the season an escaped with a 4-3 win over UConn-Avery Point. The win improves the Knights record to 17-8.

UConn jumped out to early 1-0 lead in the first as Todd Tringale (Saugus) struck out the side but in the process struggled with some control and the Pointers were able to get on the board without the benefit of a hit.

The Knights would tie the game in the top of the third as Kameron Levesque (Hooksett, NH) hit a line drive over the left field fence just beyond the outstretched arm of the left fielder. The Pointers quickly regained the lead in the bottom half of the inning with a bases loaded walk, but NECC recoreded the final out of the inning without any further damage.

NECC would add solo runs in the fifth and seventh innings as well. Levesque would score his second run of the game in the fifth as he reached on a one out walk and would eventually score on a fielder's choice from Jared Coppola (Lynn). Hunter Wilichoski (Hamilton) would score the go ahead run in the seventh as he led off with a single and advanced to third on a one out double from Dylan Duval (Middleton), and would score one batter later on a sacrifice fly from Nick White (Townsend).

In the bottom of the ninth, UConn tied things up with a two out passed ball, before NECC scored the winning run in the 10^th. Muzio got on base with a one out single and would immediately swipe second two pitches later, and would score on an RBI single to center from Levesque.

Levi Burrill (Amesbury) would get the win throwing 6 1/3 inning of two hit relief and struck out four. Dallas Vaughan (Haverhill) worked the tenth to pick up his first save of the season as he worked a perfect final frame.

NECC returns to the field on Sunday for a double header with UConn-Avery Point. First pitch is set for 1:00pm on the turf at Trinity Stadium in Haverhill.

Northern Essex Community College competes as a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and sponsors 12 varsity intercollegiate sports including baseball, men's basketball, women's basketball, softball, women's volleyball, men's and women's cross country, men's soccer, Esports and men's and women's track and field. For more information on Northern Essex Community College Athletics please visit the official website of Northern Essex Athletics (www.neccknights.com).