On Wednesday, the Seton Hall Pirates defeated the Wagner Seahawks by a final score of 9-2. In what was their final tune up before Big East play, the Pirates pitching staff shut down Wagner’s offense and cruised to a win.
Early on, it looked as if Pirates starter Chris Morris could throw a gem. However, his location plagued him, causing his pitch count to run up early. He was pulled in the fifth inning after 96 pitches and two earned runs. Those turned out to be the only runs Wagner scored all day, as the Pirates bullpen went to work and shut down the Seahawks lineup. Billy Layne Jr. was spectacular, throwing 2.1 innings without giving up a hit. Zach Schellenger and Rick DeVito also threw an inning apiece to finish the game for the Pirates.
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Photo via SHUAthletics.[/caption]
Pirates coach Rob Sheppard was satisfied with his pitching staff’s performance.
“The pitchers did a really nice job as a staff today, coming in to get it done,” Sheppard said. “Billy Layne came in with bases loaded to get a big strike out. It was also good to see Zach Schellenger and Rick Devito each get a good inning under their belts.”
At the plate, the Pirates offense broke out early, scoring four in the fourth inning to give themselves a 7-1 lead early. First basemen Mikael-Ali Mogues was a force at the plate, hammering the Wagner pitching at each at bat. He finished the game 2-2 with a walk, but he was able to score two runs and drive in three more. Left fielder Ryan Ramiz also had a big day, crossing the plate for four runs. Center fielder Tyler Shedler-McAvoy and second basemen Mike Caputo also had two hits apiece.
Sheppard was also happy to see his lineup have another good day on offense.
“We took advantage of the freebies we got,” Sheppard said. “Five of our runs were on walks and we had some timely hitting which was good too.”
This Friday, the Pirates will open Big East play at home against Butler.
“It is just consistency,” Sheppard said. “When we have consistency in the field, on the mound, and at the plate we are going to have success that will be the key.”
Andrew Lombardo can be reached at andrew.lombardo@student.shu.edu or on Twitter @Anlombardo8.
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