Cougars Blast Past Whittier, 25-9

Whittier, Calif. (3/19/08) - Senior Derek Gianakas (Edison, N.J.) belted two homeruns while sophomore Nick Nolan (Linden, N.J.) added a solo shot of his own as the #8 Cougars defeated Whittier College, 25-9, Wednesday afternoon.

Gianakas was 2-for-4 with five RBI and four runs scored while Nolan was 3-for-4 with three RBI and four runs scored as Kean improved to 11-3 overall.

KU didn't waste time as they plated six runs in their first at-bat thanks to five hits and two Poet (9-10-1) miscues.  Outfielder Eric Ammirata (Hamilton, N.J.) provided the only multiple RBI hit as he singled to center to drive in two.

The Poets only made things interesting in the bottom of the second.  Ahead by ten, Whittier cut the deficit in half by scoring five runs as they started off the inning by recording back-to-back doubles.  The big blow was a one-out, two RBI double to bring the Poets within five.  Reliever Freddie Echevestre (Kearny, N.J.) entered the game and nailed down to outs to get out of the jam.

Kean's offense continued, scoring in every inning except the eighth and ninth.  KU recorded a season-high 26 hits while not committing an error.

Senior Bryan Burke (Lindenhurst, N.Y.) was 4-for-5 with three doubles and three runs scored.  Freshman Mike Moceri (Yardville, N.J.) (pictured right) was 3-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored while senior Dan Mattonelli (Hamilton, N.J.) was 2-for-3 with three runs scored and two RBI.

Echevestre earned his first win of the year in relief as he tossed five and two thirds innings allowing four runs and six hits.  Freshman Mike Hohman (Spotswood, N.J.) and junior Kyle Murphy (East Hanover, N.J.) tossed the final two innings allowing no runs and just one hit.

Kean will conclude their California swing on Thursday as they take on #1 Chapman University.