HookC Sweeps Doubleheader, Clinches Series vs. Rutgers

Friday, March 24

Storrs, Conn.

1:05 PM

University of Connecticut

14-5

Rutgers University

12-9

Rutgers

Connecticut

3/24/2023 9:55:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

STORRS, Conn. - The UConn baseball team (15-5) won a pair of one-run games to sweep a doubleheader and clinch a series win against Rutgers on Friday at Elliot Ballpark.

The Huskies scored a run in the ninth and a run in the 11th to walk off the Scarlet Knights in game one, 9-8, and held on for a 6-5 victory in game two.

Game 1

The Huskies trailed 3-0 entering the home half of the second but answered with a four-run frame. Korey Morton singled to left to bring in the first run of the day. After a bases loaded walk to Matt Garbowski, Ryan Daniels hit a line drive down the right field line, Trevor Cohen made a diving catch but the Huskies were able to plate two runs with Morton coming all the way from second to score and make it 4-3 Huskies.

After the Scarlet Knights tied the game in the third, 4-4, the freshman Ryana Daniels answered in the sixth. The Meriden, Conn. native just missed hitting his first career home run, knocking a two-run triple off the right field fence to make it 6-4 Huskies.

Trailing 7-5 in the eighth, Rutgers plated three in the eighth inning to take an 8-7 lead.

Down a run with three outs left, Korey Morton was hit by a pitch to lead off the frame. After a Garbowski sacrifice bunt, Daniels walked and Smith beat out an infield hit to first base.

Dominic Freeberger followed with a chopper over the mound that scored Morton from third to tie the game, 8-8.

The UConn defense was solid throughout the game, turning a season-high four double plays to limit damage against the Scarlet Knights 18 hits.

In the 11th the Huskies rallied with two outs, Daniels walked, Smith was hit by a pitch and both moved up to second and third on a wild pitch. Freeberger followed with the dramatics, lining a walk-off single into center field to win game one, 9-8.

Game Two

In game two, the Huskies fell behind in the second 1-0 but again responded with a four-run second inning. Korey Morton delivered by tucking a grand slam home run just inside the left field foul pole to put UConn up, 4-1.

Tommy Ellisen was strong out of the bullpen, earning his second win of the season with 4.0 innings of one run ball.

After a scoreless 8th inning for RHP Will Nowak, the Huskies took a 6-4 lead to the ninth.

Justin Willis came on and the first two runners reached on base hits. Willis struck out the next two batters but a Jordan Sweeney RBI single made it a 6-5 ballgame.

The UConn closer bounced back by getting a ground out with the bases loaded to lock down his fourth save and secure the series win.

Game Notes

The Huskies swept their first doubleheader of the season on Friday. The Huskies have swept the last three regular season series that they have played.
UConn is 3-0 at Elliot Ballpark this season. Overall, UConn is 37-5 all-time at The Doug.The Huskies have won all 10 series they have played at Elliot.
Ryan Daniels set a new career-high with five runs batted in during game one.
UConn was out hit 33-18 but managed to sweep the doubleheader.
The Huskies have swept the last three doubleheaders they have played against the Scarlet Knights in Storrs (2023, 2012, 2010).
UConn is 2-0 in extra innings this season.
UConn has won four games this season in which they have trailed in the 5th inning or later. They had three wins last year in that scenario.