Sacred Heart University secured the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) baseball series over Merrimack with a pair of wins, 3–2 in game one and 6–1 in game two, according to an April 17 announcement. The victories were highlighted by a complete-game performance from pitcher Ryan Parker.
The outcome is significant for Sacred Heart, which improved its record to 12-21 overall and 9-7 in conference play. Merrimack dropped to 14-21 overall and 8-9 in the MAAC. The results help position Sacred Heart more favorably as the season progresses.
In game one, Merrimack scored first, but Sacred Heart quickly responded. Jacob Schmutz singled and later scored on Chuck Tallman’s groundout to tie the game. Peter Link gave the Pioneers a lead with an RBI double, while Gavin Donohue added another run with an RBI single. Key defensive plays included a double play started by Donohue that ended the fifth inning and strong relief pitching from Christian Trantino, Mitch Hawkins, and Hector Alejandro to close out the win.
Game two featured Ryan Parker’s complete-game effort on the mound, allowing only three hits and one earned run across nine innings. Offensively, Peter Link hit a solo home run to break a scoreless tie in the sixth inning. After Merrimack tied it up in the seventh, Sacred Heart responded with key hits from Gavin Donohue, Kyle Cincinnati, Link again, and JW Fitzgerald’s two-run triple that extended their lead. Two late-inning double plays helped seal the victory.
The Pioneers are scheduled to return to Veterans Park for game three against Merrimack on April 17 at 1 p.m., looking to build on their momentum from these wins.
