University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
Kennesaw State
BSB Battles Back But Drops Season Opener, 7-3
2/16/2018 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
KENNESAW, Ga. - The UConn baseball team opened the 2018 season with a 7-3 defeat to Kennesaw State on Friday at Stillwell Stadium.
The Huskies did something they didn't do at all in 2017, which was hit three home runs in a single game. Unfortunately, for UConn, all three of those home runs were the solo variety. Trailing 3-0 in the fifth, sophomore Conor Moriarty and Troy Stefanski hit back-to-back home runs to right center to close the deficit to one.
UConn tied the game in the sixth on a monster home run from birthday boy, Isaac Feldstein. Feldstein led the Huskies with seven long balls in 2017.
Post Game Interview: Head Coach Jim Penders discusses tonight's Opening Day loss to Kennesaw State. https://t.co/tgLMTxLkMt
-- UConn Baseball (@UConnBSB) February 17, 2018
The Huskies never were able to take the lead, though. Their best opportunity came in that sixth inning after Vinnie Pallisco singled to left and Chris Winkel dropped down a bunt single. With no one out, the Huskies popped up a bunt, struck out and grounded into a fielder's choice, squandering the threat.
UConn starter Tim Cate pitched 5 2/3 innings allowing six hits, five runs, walked two and struck out seven. The big blow came in the sixth inning after the Huskies had nearly taken the lead. Cate made quick work of the first two batters with back-to-back strikeouts but issued a walk with two outs that extended the frame. The next batter capitalized with a wind-aided two-run home run.
The Huskies collected 11 hits including multi-hit performances from Stefanski (three hits) and Anthony Prato (two).
Redshirt junior CJ Dandeaneu was a bright spot in the Huskies bullpen with 1 1/3 innings of scoreless ball and notched two strikeouts without allowing a hit.
The Huskies look to claim their first victory of the season on Saturday, Feb. 17 at Georgia State beginning at 2 p.m. Tune in to 91.7 FM WHUS/ fm.whus.org for live audio or follow @UConnBSB on twitter for in-game updates.
Notes
Troy Stefanski collected his second three-hit performance of his career (vs. William and Mary at Northridge, Calif., March 11, 2016).
The Huskies hit three home runs in a game for the first time since 2016.
Michael Woodworth, Christian Fedko and Vinnie Pallisco all recorded their first hits in a UConn Husky uniform.
Joe Simeone (relief) and Andy Hague (pinch-runner) also made their UConn debuts.
UConn is 53-67-2 all-time in season openers.
