McKenna Becomes All-Time Managerial Wins Leader as Bats Pick Up Critical Sweep
Keene Shuts Down Vermont in 4-2, 7-1 Wins
Game 1
Game 1
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 1 |
|
|
0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | X | 4 | 5 | 0 |
Game 2
Game 2
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 0 |
|
|
0 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | X | 7 | 9 | 2 |
by Ryan Fitzpatrick
Keene, N.H. - The Keene SwampBats (17-21-1) matched up against the Vermont Mountaineers (17-22) at Alumni Field for a Friday night doubleheader. Both teams pushing for the leagues last playoff spots as the regular season winds down.
In game one of the doubleheader, Tyler Borton (Florida Atlantic) had the start on the mound for Keene. Despite a leadoff hit to start the game, Borton settled back in nicely only allowing 3 hits total during 4 scoreless innings. After he was given the lead from the offense in the third inning, he pitched a shutout fourth inning to qualify for the win in a 7 inning game.
In that third inning, it was all started with a leadoff homer from Dylan Fitzsimmons (St Johns) to make it 1-0. Two batters later, Avery Smith (Penn St) reached after being hit by a pitch, then came around to score on a throwing error to make it 2-0. Nico Senese (Georgia Southern) then sent a slider into center field for an RBI knock to push the lead to 3-0.
On the bottom of the sixth, Petey Craska (North Alabama) hit a solo shot to create a 4-run cushion.
Bullpen performances from all star Rocco Calise (Eckerd) and Robert Gilchrist (UConn) helped secure the SwampBats 4-0 win in game one. Shaun McKenna then stands alone as the all time SwampBats managerial win leader with 141, through 6 seasons as Keene's head coach.
In game 2, it was Jack Davis (UNC Asheville) who started the game on the mound. After allowing a leadoff single to start the game as well, the runner would eventually come around to score after an error. 2 runners advanced into scoring position with less than two out, but Davis settled back in and countered with a strikeout and pop out to end the inning. He would then go one to pitch through five innings without allowing another run.
The scoring got off to a hot start again for Keene as Charlie Meglio (Rutgers) blasted a game- tying home run in the second inning. A few batter later, Dylan Fitzsimmons once again hits a homer, this time a two-run home run that had no doubt leaving the yard.
Another big offensive production from Jackson Smith helped the SwampBats run away with the game as he also homered in the third inning.
Griffin Madden (James Madison) secured the win with two innings of work out of the bullpen without allowing a run on just 1 hit.
SwampBats then take the game and the doubleheader with a 7-1 game 2 win.
The SwampBats are back at home on Saturday night as they host the first place Sanford Mainers. Keene continues to fight their way back into playoffs as they squat off against this division rival one more time. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 on Ripken Reese night at the ballpark. ESPN+ broadcast begins at 6:30.