Phaneuf Pitches Shutout as Owls Split with Framingham

WESTFIELD, Mass. – Andre Phaneuf (Westfield, Mass.) continued his dominant ways on the mound for Westfield State, pitching a complete-game shutout in game one as the Owls split a MASCAC doubleheader with Framingham State on Saturday afternoon from Hagan Field in Westfield, Mass.

Phaneuf allowed just two hits over seven shutout frames, striking out eight as the Owls soared to a game one victory. In game two, Jack Novak (Colchester, Conn.) also delivered a strong outing, allowing two runs (one earned) over 5.1 innings, but the Owls offense was held in check as the Rams salvaged game three of the series, 2-1.

The Owls are currently in a tie for the fourth spot with Salem State in the MASCAC standings with an 8-7 record (11-19 overall). The Rams are now 5-13 in the MASCAC and 8-21 on the season.

TJ May (North Granby, Conn.) got the scoring started for Westfield in the bottom of the first in game one, connecting for a sacrifice fly out to right to score one run. The throw went to third and got past the bag, allowing a second run to cross home.

The Owls added three runs apiece in the third and fourth innings as Chase Racine (Pittsfield, Mass.) continued to burn Framingham, singling through the right side to score Alex Martin (Shrewsbury, Mass.) for a three-run lead. Colin Ryan (Chelmsford, Mass.) added another run on a ground out, then Kaen Smith (Washingtonville, N.Y.) singled to left with two outs, increasing the lead to five runs.

In the fourth, Sam Palmer (Medfield, Mass.) drove in two more runs on a single, then Racine capped the scoring with a RBI single into centerfield, scoring Palmer who crossed home for the 146^th time in his career, tying the all-time program record with Ben Wagner '10.

Phaneuf cruised through the first four innings with the Rams first hit coming from Colin Johnson with one out in the fifth. Framingham loaded the bases with two outs after an infield hit, but Phaneuf worked around the traffic by forcing a flyout. Those were the only two hits allowed in the contest as the sophomore right hander allowed one baserunner over the final two frames to punctuate the win.

With the win, Phaneuf logged his fourth quality start in his last five outings including back-to-back complete games, lowering his season earned run average to 1.59.

Connor Thibault took the loss in game one for the Rams, covering three innings while allowing five runs (four earned) on two hits, walking three and striking out one.

In game two, the Owls took the lead on a wild pitch in the first inning but were unable to solve Jason Strickland who went the distance with seven scoreless innings.

Novak faced the minimum through three innings, but Framingham was able to take the lead the second time through the order. Christian Cox laced a line drive back up the middle, deflecting off the glove of Novak for a hit, then John Lynch roped a double down the left field line, putting two runners in scoring position with one out. A passed ball tied the game at one run apiece, then Nicholas Kutcher punched a ground ball to second which scored the go-ahead run.

The Owls got the leadoff hitter on in three of the final four innings, sacrificing on all three with two moving the runner to second base in the fifth and seventh innings. On both occasions, Strickland was able to navigate through the Owls order without allowing a run, getting a pair of fly outs in the seventh to avoid the sweep.

Novak was handed a tough-luck losing decision after tossing 5.1 innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits. He struck out two and did not issue a walk. Strickland picked up his first win of the season, relieving Josh Sutherland who left the game in the first due to injury.

Prior to the start of the doubleheader, Westfield State Athletics inducted alumnus Carlton Steele '79 into the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference Athletic Hall of Fame as he was joined by several of his teammates while throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.

Westfield State will prepare for a conference doubleheader on Patriot's Day as the Owls travel to Mass. Maritime on Monday with first pitch of game one scheduled for 12:00 P.M.

 Owls alumnus Carlton Steele '79 accepts his MASCAC Hall of Fame plaque; joined by Owls head coach Seth Kaplan, Athletic Director Richard Lenfest, and teammates.