West Massachusetts News

The Williams College Ephs fall to the Union College Flying Dutchmen 10-4.

Although the outcome was unfavorable for the Ephs, today's game was a special occasion. The contest took place at the Atrium Health Ballpark, home of the Chicago White Sox Double-A affiliate, the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers. The Ephs were able to secure the venue largely in part to Assistant Coach Stan Parese, who is a life long friend and former law school classmate of facility-owner, Andy Sandler. Sandler is also a Union College alum and former pitcher. 

The Ephs offense remained hot as ever on their southern spring training trip— recording eight hits during the contest, including three homers— but it was not enough. Senior Captain , Jakob Cohn, launched two of the dingers on his way to a 3-4 day, collecting three RBIs. Cohn, a former North Carolina resident, had a bevy of family, friends, and fans in the stands. Sophomore catcher Henry Juan also went deep to left field in the top of the fifth.

It was the Flying Dutchmen who struck first in the bottom of the second inning, plating four batters. Coach Barrale had this to say post-game, "It's a problem we've been working to correct in the last couple of games: free bases. When we walk guys, or let up errors, we're extending the inning and putting stress on our pitchers. It's something we need to keep working on." There were two hit-by-pitches, one walk, and one error in the bottom of the second.

Ephs starting pitcher, Will Jeffries, was disappointed with his two inning appearance, but the senior showed a lot of promise with his fastball. Jeffries is still in the process of recovering from an off-season knee surgery, and seeing his fastball reach the upper-80's was a welcome sight.

The Ephs were able to respond in the top of the third; First-year shortstop, Dave Mosrie, laced a ground ball single through the six-hole, then Cohn brought them both home with a monster blast to left. Catcher Henry Juan also lined a double in the gap, but was left on base. The energy in the dugout was increased, but was tempered quickly, as the Flying Dutchmen returned in kind with a solo shot of their own in the bottom of the inning, bringing the score to 5-2.

Coming in relief for the Ephs pitching staff was first-year Teddy Massingham (2.2 IP, 5 ER, 1 SO) and senior Bo Peponis (1.1 IP, 0 ER, 1 SO). The two pitchers were able to keep the Ephs in the game, but the squad could not mount a comeback. "Were working hard and seeing a lot of flashes of what could be, especially offensively, we just need to put it all together," said Coach Barrale. 

The Ephs and Flying Dutchmen were slated for a double header, but unfortunately, game two was cancelled due to inclement weather. The Ephs take on the Brevard College Tornados tomorrow at 3pm (3/27) 

Original source can be found here.