Melillo and Gregory
combine for three HRs to end Newport losing streak
By: Michael Radomski
(NEWPORT, RI)- Neal Davis
(Virginia) pitched six innings of three hit ball and the Newport
bats clubbed three home runs as the Gulls defeated the visiting
Pittsfield Dukes 9-3 at Cardines Field.
The Dukes would score first in this game. After making a diving
catch to end the bottom of the first inning, Jason Martin (San Jose
State) hit an RBI double down the 3rd base line giving Pittsfield
the 1-0 lead.
Dukes start Matt Giusti (Stonehill College) was starting on just
three day's rest after Pittsfield's 12-3 fog-shortened win at Keene
on June 25th. Giusti pitched a one-two-three first inning and worked
his way into a jam in the 2nd but was able to escape unscathed.
In the third, Newport would come alive with four consecutive two-out
hits. The big blast came from Alex Gregory (Radford University), a
three run home run to deep center field for the 3-1 lead.
After retiring the first two hitters in the fourth, the Gulls would
string together three more four out hits in another three run
inning. With two outs, Taylor Meehan (Harvard) hit a double to right
field, and Nick Santomauro (Dartmouth) followed with an RBI double
to increase the lead to three runs. Mike Melillo (Elon) then clubbed
a two run home run, his second of three hits in the game, knocking
Giusti out of the game, and handing Newport the 6-1 lead.
The five run lead was more than enough for Gulls starter Neal Davis
who threw six innings, only allowing the one run, on three hits and
three walks. He also struck out five Dukes in the process.
With the score 7-1 in the 8th, Alex Gregory would add his second
home run of the night and fourth of the season on a two run shot off
Dukes reliever Jack Bender (Georgetown).
Pittsfield would score two runs in the 9th inning off reliever Chase
Reid (Vanderbilt) but the Gulls reliever would close the door on the
three inning save for the 9-3 Newport victory.
The 3 through 6 hitters really set the tone for Newport, going 12
for 19 (.631) with three home runs, seven RBIs and five runs scored.
Melillo finished three for five with two RBIs and Gregory finished
with two home runs and five RBIs.
For the Dukes, Martin finished two for four with two runs batted in
and Jayson Langels (Eastern Kentucky) went one for three scoring two
of the Dukes' three runs.
The Newport victory ends a six game losing streak and improves the
Gulls' record to 7-8 on the season. Newport will travel to North
Adams and play the SteepleCats, who had the night off, in a seven
o'clock contest. Greg Holle (Texas Christian) is the probable
starter for the Gulls.
The loss knocks Pittsfield out of first place and down to 8-10 with
back to back losses. The Dukes will have Tuesday night off and will
begin a five game home stand on Wednesday night when they host the
SteepleCats with Kyle Vazquez as the slated starter.
