New London, CT (March 7, 2021) – A pair of outstanding starting pitching performances highlighted a Sunday split for the Northern Essex baseball team as they dropped game 1 6-4 in 9 innings before taking game 2 by a 6-1 score. The split moved the Knights to 2-2 through the opening weekend of the season.
Game 1 starter Todd Tringale (Saugus) threw six innings of three hit, two run baseball striking out eight and walking one, but suffered a no decision as the Knights gave up the lead in the bottom of the seventh before Mitchell walked off in the 9th.
In Game 2, Dallas Vaughan (Haverhill) allowed five hits and one run over six innings of work, striking out five and didn't allow a base on balls.
Trailing 2-0 after three in game one, the Knights took the lead with a three run fourth. Logan Burrill (Amesbury) led off with a double and would score on a two-out, two RBI single to center by Chris Presinal (Sudbury). Joe Muzio (Rockport) who walked also scored on the play. Presinal would score the final run of the frame on a triple from Lucas Berube (Dighton).
The Knights would add another run in the 6th before allowing Mitchell to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh, before walking off in the 9th.
In game two, with the game tied 1-1 after one, the Knights took the lead for good in the second inning and never looked backed. With Hunter Wilichoski (Hamilton) and Presinal reaching via a walk and single to start the second, Clay Campbell (Goffstown, NH) ripped a one out triple down the right field line to put the Knights 3-1, Campbell would score two batters later on a fielder's choice from Nick White (Townsend).
Two more runs in the seventh would result in the final score. With two outs in the seventh Presinal would reach on an error by the third baseman that would allow both Burrill (walk) and Wilichoski (fielder's choice) to score.
The Knights will return the field next weekend for a crucial early season four game series at NJCAA pre-season #2 Rowan-Gloucester. First pitch both days is scheduled for noon. The games will be available to watch online and spectators will be permitted within the New Jersey state COVID Guidelines.
Northern Essex Community College competes as a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and sponsors 12 varsity intercollegiate sports including baseball, men's basketball, women's basketball, softball, women's volleyball, men's and women's cross country, men's soccer, Esports and men's and women's track and field. For more information on Northern Essex Community College Athletics please visit the official website of Northern Essex Athletics (www.neccknights.com).