(05-11-08)
Box Score
BROOKHAVEN, N.Y. -- Keith Karlsen and Bobby Kay combined to allow just one unearned run while striking out eight batters to lead fourth-seeded C.W. Post to the 2008 East Coast Conference Championship with a 5-1 victory over second-seeded University of New Haven at Dowling College's Golden Lions Field on Sunday.
Earlier in the day, UNH (24-25) had defeated sixth-seeded Adelphi to advance to the championship game against C.W. Post (29-25). The Pioneers led 2-1 heading to the top of the eighth inning, but broke open the game with three runs, including two on a single by pinch hitter Anthony Montesano.
Karlsen picked up the victory by pitching the first five innings for the Pioneers, who now automatically advance to the 2008 NCAA Division II Baseball Championships Northeast Regional. He struck out four. Kay earned his fourth save of the season by pitching the game's final four innings, allowing just two hits while striking out four.
Bruce Testa finished 3-for-5 for C.W. Post, while Mike Sylvester and Brian Anderson were 2-for-5 each.
Kyle Bombace was 3-for-4 and scored the only run of the game for UNH, while Tom Rombilus went 2-for-5.
C.W. Post took the lead for good at 2-1 in the top of the sixth, when Brian Chenicek led off with a walk, advanced to second on a wild pitch, moved to third on a ground out, and scored on a single by Sylvester.
UNH likely saw its season end with the loss, as the Chargers were on the outside looking in based on last week's NCAA Regional Rankings. After an 0-8 start to the season, the Chargers went 24-17 the rest of the way and still captured a share of the ECC regular season championship with a 17-10 conference record.
2008 ECC Baseball Championship Schedule
Wednesday, May 7 (single elimination)
(6) Adelphi 3 at (3) Dowling 0 (Dowling eliminated)
(5) Molloy 6 at (4) C.W. Post 10 (Molloy eliminated)
Friday, May 9 - Rain, schedule moved to Saturday
Saturday, May 10 (double elimination)
Game 1 - (2) New Haven 4, (6) Adelphi 0 (at Dowling)
Game 2 - (4) C.W. Post 9, (1) St. Thomas Aquinas 4 (at Adelphi)
Game 3 - (6) Adelphi 3, (1) St. Thomas Aquinas 1 (STAC eliminated)
Game 4 - (4) C.W. Post 5, (2) New Haven 1 (at Dowling)
Sunday, May 11 - (at Dowling)
Game 5 - (2) New Haven 6, (6) Adelphi 5 (Adelphi eliminated)
Game 6 - (4) C.W. Post 5, (2) New Haven 1 (New Haven eliminated)
