Auburndale, FL –Stockton University (7-6-1) finished their eight-game Florida Spring Break trip with a split of the final two games. The Ospreys pounded North Park University (IL) (4-9) 26-8, before dropping the second game to University of Wisconsin-Superior (2-8) 4-3.
Â
Against Wisconsin Superior, Ospreys starter
Mike Schiattarella (Manahawkin/Southern Regional), who did not figure in the decision, was dominant again. He allowed just one hit, and no runs while striking out five and walking one in seven innings of work. The hit by the Yellow Jackets snapped a 13.1 inning hitless streak for the junior right hander.
Â
The contest turned into a pitching duel between Schiattarella and Jackets hurler Matt Tappe. Neither allowed a run until Superior broke the game open in the top of the ninth. A single, hit batter and error loaded the bases. Stockton induced the next two outs, but Isaac Fugere blasted a grand slam to left center to break the deadlock and give Superior a 4-0 advantage heading to the bottom of the ninth.
Â
The Ospreys tried to rally in their half of the frame.
John Perrino (Wall/Wall was hit by a pitch and advanced to second on a wild pitch.
Sam Nieves (South Plainfield/South Plainfield) pinch hit and drove in Perrino to get Stockton within three at 4-1.
Â
Dominic Meleo (Freehold/St. Peter's Prep) singled Nieves to second, where he scored on a
Thomas Elgrim (Fair Haven/Rumson-Fair Haven) base hit to slice the lead in half at 4-2 and knocking Tappe from the game.
Luke Fabrizzi (Old Bridge/St. John Vianney) hit a sacrifice fly to score Meleo who had advanced on the Elgrim hit and it was 4-3. But the rally ended there, and Stockton fell by a score of 4-3.
Â
The Stockton defense was aided by three pickoffs in the game.
Jordan Nitti (Hamilton/Steinert) and Elgrim rapped two hits each, with
Phil Santa Maria absorbing his first loss of the season on the hill.
Â
Stockton, who went 4-4 in Florida during the break, will return home for their next game on Tuesday when the Ospreys face St. Elizabeth University. Game time is scheduled for 3:30 pm in Galloway.
Â
