By Elizabeth Thomas, News Staff
The Northeastern Huskies (12-11, 2-7 Colonial Athletic Association) once again beat out crosstown rivals, Boston College Eagles (3-19, 0-8 Atlantic Coastal Conference) 4-2 to win the second game of the season between the two teams at Friedman Diamond on Tuesday afternoon.
Sophomore pitcher Isaac Lippert (2-0, 2.14 ERA) gained his second career victory for the Huskies, with both his wins coming over BC this season. Lippert threw seven scoreless innings in the game, combining for 14 against the Eagles. Senior co-captain pitcher Dylan Maki earned the 13th save of his career, while setting the all-time saves record for Northeastern.
“I came out a little rusty and I thought my command was off but thanks to the great defense I was able to overcome it and a win is a win, so I am happy with it,” Lippert said.
Northeastern took the lead in the first with a leadoff triple from junior right fielder Aaron Barbosa. Senior co-captain and designated hitter John Puttress then drew a walk, bringing up sophmore shortstop Jason Vosler who doubled to center, bringing home Barbosa for the first run of the game. Putress then advanced to third on Vosler’s hit, bringing sophomore first baseman Rob Fonseca to the plate. Fonseca sent a deep sacrifice fly into center and Puttress crossed home plate, ending the first inning 2-0. The Huskies would not give up the lead the entire game.
Lippert then began his seemingly effortless seven scoreless innings, keeping all Boston College batters to just singles until his final seventh inning.
Freshman third baseman Mike Piscopo made his first career start for Northeastern and reached on an error in the bottom of the second inning. Sophomore second baseman Michael Foster then doubled to right center, bringing Piscopo around to home hoping to score, but was caught just in time at the plate for an out. Barbosa then singled, following a Puttress routine ground out to second but led Foster home to extend the Huskies’ lead 3-0.
“It’s a great feeling that you’re going to get offensive support with guys like that but also they make great routine plays, as well as the hard ones, so its great knowing that they are behind me,” Lippert said.
The Eagles first run came in the top of the eighth inning when freshman pitcher Mike Fitzgerald came in to relieve the starter Lipper. He allowed a hit and a run to start the inning, but struck out the last batter to minimize the damage.
Junior center fielder Connor Lyons would help add onto the Huskies lead with a triple off the right field wall at his first at bat in the bottom of the eighth inning. Junior catcher Brad Burcroft grounded out to third, keeping Lyons on base. Next up, junior catcher Josh Treff would then lightly single to center just enough to score Lyons bringing the score to 4-1.
Maki came in the top of the ninth to fulfill his closing duties, and with a win secured the all time Northeastern record. He gave up just one single and a double with the first two at bats to bring home the second Boston College run. Striking out the next two batters, Maki relied on the help of a diving catch from Lyons with a pop out in center field to end the inning and earn him the save.
“Same approach as always, try to go out there and win and just always try,” Lippert said. “We want to try and win every game we can and we know that as a team we can beat anyone.”
Northeastern will face CAA conference rival James Madison University this Friday at Friedman Diamond, for a three-game series.
