Box Score (PDF) | Highlights | Harring Interview | Polichetti Interview

LOWELL, Mass. – Freshman John Polichetti (Atkinson, N.H.) delivered a pinch-hit two-run double with two outs in the bottom of the ninth as the UMass Lowell baseball team (22-18, 10-7) walked off with a 3-2 win against the Hartford Hawks (16-21, 7-8) on Sunday afternoon at LeLacheur Park.
 
The River Hawks entered the ninth trailing 2-1, and Steve Passatempo (Medford, Mass.) came within inches of a home run but settled for a leadoff double off the top of the wall, and Colby Maiola (North Reading, Mass.) walked to put the potential winning run on base with no outs.
 
After a fielder's choice cut down Passatempo at third, Austin Young (Millbury, Mass.) walked to load the bases to bring up the freshman to the plate.
 
"Anytime you can walk off in your home park it is a lot of fun, and for Johnny to be ready in that situation was great to see," remarked Head Coach Ken Harring. "We always talk about how you never know when an opportunity will come and it might be the most important part of a game, and he comes in against a good pitcher, gets a good swing and the rest is history."
 
Hartford opened the scoring in the second on a leadoff double and a fielding error, and doubled the lead on a solo shot to left field from Ashton Bardzell in the sixth inning.
 
The River Hawks had runners reach scoring position in each of the second, third and fourth innings but could not capitalize on the opportunities.
 
In the bottom of the seventh, trailing 2-0, Cam Climo (Billerica, Mass.) began a one-out rally with his second hit of the day, and Russ Olive (Chelmsford, Mass.) put the tying run on second with a double to left. Austin Young (Millbury, Mass.) was able to cut the deficit in half with a sacrifice fly, bringing the River Hawks within 2-1.
 
UMass Lowell starter Nick Kuzia (Seymour, Conn.) struck out eight batters through seven innings, and stymied the Hartford attack throughout. Freshman Connor Metelski (Wall Township, N.J.) picked up his third win of the season after two shutout innings.
 
Climo led the comeback for the hosts, picking up two hits and crossing the plate twice, including the game-winning run.
 
The River Hawks are back in action on May 2, as they host Boston College at 5 p.m. on Senior Night. There will be a pre-game presentation honoring the program's two seniors.