the Informer

Hawks starter Anthony Mannucia allowed just five runs in five innings of work but the UConn offense tore up the bullpen. (Adam Manison)

Whenever Hartford takes on in-state rival UConn in any sport, it’s a big deal, and it was no different Monday, as the two colleges competed for their first meeting of baseball season.

The game, even though lop-sided in score, was far closer in reality, as the Hawks (5-13) fell 12-2 to the extremely powerful Huskies (16-7).

The route was on early, when during the second inning the Huskies put together an impressive, seven-run, second inning. The Hawks’ offense was a little more stagnant, battling against pitcher Robert Van Woert, who tossed eight strong innings and held the Hawks to just two runs.

Freshman pitcher Anthony Mannuccia, pitched five innings, and gave the Hawks a strong performance, allowing only five earned runs.
The first inning the Huskies sent seven men to the plate, piling up three runs in the process to take an early jump on the Hawks. The second inning was much the same, as a Billy Ferriter bunt single turned into a triple with a bad throw that let Ferriter scurry around to third. That error put the Hawks in a tough position as UConn would continue the rake with another seven runs added to the scoreboard, including a three-run shot from Doug Elliot, his only hit of the day.

After the second, things settled down for Mannuccia, who pitched three consecutive shutout innings, ending his day on a high note. Mannuccia also showed his skill for picking off base runners, surprising three on the day with his quick move.

Once Mannuccia left the game in favor of reliever Brian Rice in the sixth, UConn added two more runs, to make it 12-0, but Hartford would answer back, scoring two runs of their own in the bottom half of the inning, making it a 12-2 game.

Erik Figueredo hit a line drive shot up the middle, followed by a Mike Aldrich cannon that led to a double for the Hawks. With runners on second and third, Matt Walker hit a groundout, which would get Figueredo home for the first run of the day for the Hawks. This was followed by a Rodger Wilmot hit, and a Jared Canney fielder’s choice, bringing Aldrich in for the Hawks’ second run of the day. There would be no scoring after the sixth inning, as both offenses were held quiet the remainder of the game.

Hartford baseball will host UMBC Saturday for a double-header, opening the Hawks’ America East schedule for the season. The first pitch will take place at 12 p.m. and the second game will follow right after.