Brendan McLean
Contributing Writer
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield College baseball team recorded a 2-0 win over the visiting Clark Cougars on Tuesday, April 2. Travis Lane was the star for the game, pitching a shutout and getting the Pride their sixth win of the year.
Junior right-handed pitcher Travis Lane threw a gem for the Pride, pitching all nine innings and only allowing six hits. Lane was extremely effective with all his pitches.
“Lane was very good yesterday. In tough weather conditions, he pitched aggressively, got ahead of hitters, and used all three of his pitches effectively,” coach Mark Simeone said.
The Pride won the game 2-0. They have won a good amount of low-scoring games this season.
“Until we hit stride offensively, we need to win these low-scoring, close games. We are a better team offensively than we have performed to this point in the season,” Simeone said.
Pitching and defense are the fundamentals, and being the starting pitcher for any team can be a pressure-packed situation. Lane handles his role with poise.
“I felt great about the performance and was just glad I could get a win for the team. My main goal every time out is to keep my team in the game and help us get a win. I really wanted to help get us back on the right track and start winning like we know how,” Lane said.
In the first inning Frank Calabrese scored to put the Pride up 1-0. In the bottom of the third inning Steve Starr scored on an error by Clark.
The Pride get a much needed win and improve to 6-9 and 3-6 in league play. The Pride certainly feel like they can play better as the season progresses, and they need to start winning some more NEWMAC games if they want to make it to the tournament.
The starting pitcher is someone who sets the tone for the entire team. Lane did that and more against Clark.
“I have a relaxed personality when I’m on the mound no matter the situation and just enjoyed having fun out there. If my team isn’t scoring runs, I know that they will have my back in the field to keep the game close,” Lane said.
Although the Pride’s record is not where they want it to be, they still believe that they can win NEWMAC’s and compete in the tournament.
“Our goal this season, and every season, is to make the NEWMAC Tournament, and then play well enough to have an opportunity to win it,” Simeone said.
The Pride still believe if they compete in every game they have a chance at achieving their goals.
“If we play the game like we know how and stay together as a team, I feel that we can have a great rest of the season and make it far into the tournament. [We] just have to take it one game at a time,” Lane said.
The Pride have some important games coming up, starting with a rematch against the Clark Cougars today at Clark starting at 4 p.m.. They then play Babson Friday at 3:30 p.m. at home.