College Baseball

Monday, April 4, 2005

Westfield State 10 – Springfield College 3

SPRINGFIELD – Sophomore catcher Chris Hebert (South Hadley) went 2 for 5, including a three-run homer, and junior J.P. Murphy (Pittsfield) pitched eight solid innings to lead Westfield State to a 10-3 victory over Springfield College on Monday, April 4.

The Owls scored five runs in the middle innings to take a 5-1 lead. Springfield scored twice in the bottom of the sixth, but Westfield put away the game with a five-run uprising in the ninth, sparked by Hebert’s three-run homer.

Murphy hurled eight complete innings, scattering eight hits, striking out four, and issuing no walks.

The Owls collected nine hits and were aided by eight walks and five Springfield errors. Freshman second baseman Justin Parr – Westfield’s No. 9 batter – was 2 for 3 with two RBI and two sacrifice hits. Freshman outfielder Matt Tirrell of Pittsfield was 2 for 3 with a double and three runs scored. Senior third baseman Matt Gurley was 2 for 4 with two runs scored.

Westfield’s next game is Tuesday, April 5, when it travels to Western Connecticut State. The Owls’ home opener is Thursday, April 7, when it entertains Nichols College. Westfield’s conference opener is Saturday, April 9, when it hosts Fitchburg State in a doubleheader beginning at 12:00.