The Centenary University baseball team refused to let its season end on Sunday morning, grinding out a 5-3 victory in Game 1 of the Atlantic East Championship to force a decisive winner-take-all matchup later in the day.
After battling through the bracket and winning their third game of the weekend, the Cyclones once again leaned on timely hitting to keep their championship hopes alive.
Centenary struck for five runs on just four hits, making the most of every offensive opportunity.
Joseph Frei delivered one of the biggest swings of the afternoon, finishing with a hit and two RBI, while
Myles Castillo also came through in the clutch with a hit and two RBI of his own.
On the mound,
Louie Vassallo turned in a stellar performance to steady the Cyclones. The right-hander worked 5.1 innings, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out two. Vassallo consistently kept the Saints off balance and gave Centenary the momentum it needed early in the contest.
When the Saints threatened late,
Anthony Fraser slammed the door shut out of the bullpen. Fraser earned the save after tossing the final 1.1 innings without allowing a hit or a run, sealing the victory and sending the championship series to a decisive final game.
With the win, the Cyclones have now rattled off three victories during a grueling championship weekend and will look to complete their remarkable run when they take the field once again with the Atlantic East title on the line.
