KEENE, N.H.  3/21/12 – Wednesday was the first time Keene State College senior Jeff Pelkey (Fitzwilliam, N.H.) had pitched an early-season home game against Springfield College during his four-year career.  "Because of bad weather or field conditions, we usually go down there," he said.  "I remember last season, we were down there and it was snowing out."

            Pitching at home on a beautiful mid-70s, sunny day, Pelkey, now 2-1, scattered six hits over six innings to pick up the win as the Owls' held on for a 7-6 non-conference win over Springfield College at Owl Athletic Complex.  Pelkey, who tied the KSC record with his 17th career win, did what he does best, keeping his team in the game.  "I didn't have my best stuff today, but I competed and threw strikes and the guys behind me really stepped up and made some plays for me," said the senior, who had three strikeouts and one walk. 

            Keene State (9-5) had a 7-2 lead going into the top of the ninth inning.  The Pride (6-3) made things interesting, scoring four runs on five hits and taking advantage of two KSC errors.  "It's been a little bit of a concern. We need to do a better job of closing things out," said Keene State Coach Ken Howe. 

            Keene State took a 2-0 lead in the first inning.  Senior Kyle Morrill (Auburn, N.H.) hit a solo shot over the fence in left center field.  "It was a 3-1 fastball and I just tried to put a good swing on it," said Morrill about his first dinger of the season. "I think the wind helped me out a little bit." 

            Senior Erik Bergstrom (Enfield, Conn.) followed with a single and came home on a RBI double down the right field line by senior Larry Longo (Londonderry, N.H.)

            The Owls added two more runs in the third inning on a ground out by senior Peter Burgio (Bolton, Conn.) and a run-producing single by Longo, who was 3-4 in the game. 

            After Keene State added a run to go up 5-0  in the seventh, the Pride came back with two runs in the top of the eighth on a two-run home run by sophomore Frank Calabrese (East Longmeadow, Mass.), who had three hits in the game.

            The Owls got the two runs back in the bottom of the inning on a key RBI double by sophomore Matt Boulay (Stafford Springs, Conn.) and sacrifice fly by Morrill.  It was the second time Boulay came to the plate with runners in scoring position. "The first at bat I was trying to do too much," said Boulay. "The second at bat I made some adjustments, shortened up a little bit, and hit a nice line drive to right field."

            Junior Tim Quagliaroli (Windsor Locks, Conn.) got the final two outs in the ninth to pick-up his second save of the season and preserve the win for Keene State.

            Junior Greg Bates (Salem, N.H.) along with Morrill and Boulay each had two hits for the Owls, who finished the game with 12 hits.

            Sophomore Eric Chase (Vernon, Conn.) took the loss (1-1) for Springfield.

            Keene State returns to the diamond next Thursday at Babson. "I think we played pretty good baseball down south," said Morrill.  "Hopefully, we can continue to play well up here."