TicketsMay 5, 2012
NORWICH, Conn. -- Freshman left-handed pitcher Zach Morris (Edgewater, Md./DeMatha Catholic) pitched a complete-game shutout to lead the University of Cincinnati baseball team to a 1-0 win over University of Connecticut in the second game of a Saturday doubleheader at Dodd Stadium.
Morris was efficient all game, needing 112 pitches to get through nine frames for the Bearcats. The 6-foot-6 southpaw scattered five base hits and walked two while punching out seven Huskies.
UConn right-hander Anthony Marzi also tossed a complete game and allowed just one hit with 10 strikeouts, but was the victim of an unearned run, which proved to be the difference.
Cincinnati freshman third baseman Joey Bielek (Scottsdale, Ariz./Chapparal) led off the fourth inning with a double to right-center field for UC's first base runner of the ballgame. Sophomore center fielder Matt Williams (Mason, Ohio/Cincinnati Hills Christian) sacrifice bunted Bielek over to third base. Sophomore left fielder Justin Glass (Fort Wayne, Ind./Carroll) walked before senior designated hitter Cory Hough (Springboro, Ohio/Springboro) struck out looking. UConn catcher Joe Pavone's throw to second on Glass' stolen base landed in center field, allowing Bielek to cross home plate.
The Huskies nearly tied the ballgame in the bottom of the eighth inning. With one out, UConn first baseman Eric Yavarone doubled down the left-field line. After a pop up gave the Bearcats out No. 2, redshirt freshman Ethan McAlpine (Cincinnati, Ohio/Moeller) chased down a deep fly ball by UConn first baseman Tim Martin to right-center field, where McAlpine had to run a long distance to make a clutch inning-ending catch.
UConn threatened in the sixth inning, but Morris was able to get out of the inning unscathed. UConn center fielder Billy Ferriter led off the frame with a walk and advanced to second on a bunt single by Martin to give UConn runners on first and second with no outs. Morris buckled down to induce UConn second baseman LJ Mazzilli into a 6-4-3 double play, followed by a groundout to the pitcher's mound by third baseman Ryan Fuller.
The Bearcats and Huskies will play a rubber match of their three-game BIG EAST Conference series noon Sunday at J.O. Christian Field in Storrs, Conn. Steve Jarnicki will call the action live on Real Talk 1160 WQRT-AM and RealTalk1160.com.