(05-11-08)
Box Score
BROOKHAVEN, N.Y. -- An error in the top of the ninth inning helped UNH score the go-ahead run, and closer Mitch Rossi escaped a bases-loaded jam with a double play to end the game as No. 2 University of New Haven advanced to the East Coast Conference championship game with a wild 6-5 win over No. 6 Adelphi University on Sunday at Dowling's Golden Lions Field.
UNH (24-24) saw an early 5-1 lead evaporate as Adelphi (25-25) scored single runs in the fourth and fifth innings and then tied the game with a pair of scores in the bottom of the seventh.
But Kyle Donnelly and Chad Lemos led off the ninth inning with back-to-back singles to kick-start the game-winning rally. Adelphi inserted ace starter Bobby Lanigan for some emergency relief to try to get out of the jam, and he appeared to do the job by inducing a grounder to first base.
But UNH's Kyle Bombace reached base and the game-winning run scored after a throwing miscue by Adelphi first baseman Bill Melillo. He threw across the diamond to attempt a forceout at third base, and ended up throwing the ball away for just his second error of the season.
But the game was far from over.
Rossi, the UNH closer who picked up his fifth victory of the season with 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief work, got into a jam in the bottom of the ninth to put fans on the edge of their seats. After striking out Chris Weidlein looking to start the frame, Rossi gave up a single to Mike Mongiello, walked Thomas Harper and then allowed a Mike Testani single to left field to load the bases.
Rossi was able to recover and induce a grounder back to himself, where he started a 1-2-3 double play by tossing home to catcher Michael Moras. The double-up ended the game for the Chargers, sending them through to the championship game.
UNH advances to play No. 4 C.W. Post for the championship. The Chargers, who lost to the Pioneers by a 5-1 margin on Saturday, must defeat C.W. Post twice in a row to win the double-elimination tournament. An NCAA Championships berth is on the line when the teams meet later today.
Adam Rozum drove in a pair of runs for UNH, while Jimmy Rivas and Nick Sperounis were both 2-for-4 with an RBI. Dan Blake started the game for UNH, allowing three runs (two earned) through 4 2/3 innings.
Five different players drove in runs for Adelphi, while Rob DeGennaro scored three times and was 2-for-5 at the plate.
