RENO, NV — Thanks to a dominant performance by Jimmy Joyce, the Hofstra Pride baseball team picked up their second win of the season, a 2-1 victory over the University of Nevada Wolf Pack on Friday, Feb. 28. The win snapped a six-game losing streak for the Pride, recovering from their 19-10 loss against Wichita State University earlier in the day.
In the third start of his collegiate career, Joyce was nearly flawless, striking out three and giving up just one hit in a complete game. The Pride needed every bit of his performance, as sophomore Owen Sharts was equally dominant for Nevada, pitching for seven innings and striking out 11.
The Pride got on the board first in the third inning, as Santino Rosso drove in Tyler White with a single. The single was Rosso’s second hit of the day, giving him his second game of the season with multiple hits. It was the second time this season that the Pride has won a game in which Rosso records multiple hits and an RBI.
Along with Rosso, White and Austin Gauthier recorded multiple hits. White’s offensive performance was invaluable, as he gave the top of the lineup opportunities to hit with a runner in scoring position.
In the fifth inning, a Gauthier single gave the Pride runners on first and third base for Rosso, who grounded into a double play. With the focus on the double play, White crossed home, making it the second time that Rosso drove in White that day.
That insurance run became essential for the Pride, as Joyce and the Pride’s defense struggled in the bottom of the sixth. After recording the first out of the inning, senior Kiambu Fentress reached on an error for the Wolf Pack. He then stole second and reached third base on a throwing error by Sean Flaherty. Pitching with a runner in scoring position for just the second time in the game, Joyce walked his first and only batter of the night and allowed a sacrifice fly to senior Wyatt Tilley, getting the Wolf Pack within one run. To make matters worse for Joyce, senior Dillan Shrum broke up his no-hitter with a single into left field.
Dealing with a one-run lead, Joyce saved his best for last, only allowing one more baserunner for the rest of the game and striking out the last two batters to secure the win for the Pride.
Joyce’s performance was essential for a Pride pitching staff that has combined for a total of a 6.57 ERA. The dominant outing also gave the bullpen a much-needed night off, as five pitchers saw action in their game against Wichita State earlier in the day.
The Pride will look to leave Reno with two wins as they finish their two-game series against the Wolf Pack on Saturday, Feb. 29.
Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics
