UConn Continues Hot Streak

Coming into the weekend series with Big East foe Villanova, the baseball team knew it had to make a statement. The Huskies (13-11, 5-4 Big East) did just that by taking two out of three games from Villanova (8-15, 1-5) on the weekend, outscoring the Wildcats 22-11 overall behind strong hitting performances up-and-down the lineup.

The Huskies are now 12-4 since their 1-7 start this season.

"Hopefully everyone's going to stay focused and keep doing what we're doing," said shortstop Mike Olt, who had three runs and three RBI in the series. "We've been doing it the whole season really, and it's good that we're all clicking together at the same time. Especially at the top of the order, but everyone top to bottom is getting the job done."

Friday's game was delayed 15 minutes at its start after a bus carrying the Villanova team mistakenly went to Rentschler Field. By games end, however, the Huskies turned in one of the most complete performances head coach Jim Penders has seen all season. The UConn bats struck early and starter John Folino shut down the Wildcat bats in the 12-1 victory.

Villanova ace Jordan Ellis (2-2) had his rockiest outing all season, surrendering 10 runs to the Huskies over three and a third innings. The first six batters in the UConn lineup each scored at least once in the game. Leftfielder Peter Fatse had a huge day at the plate, going 4-for-5 with two RBI and scoring three times.

Folino (2-1), who made the start on short notice after original starter Maxx Catapano was suspended for violation of team rules, held the Wildcats to one run (unearned) over five innings, while striking out five.

Folino's start made a big impression on Penders, who said earlier in the week that he's looking for starters to step up in light of various injuries to members of the rotation this year.

"He stepped in and staked a claim to start and I expect him to get better and better each time out," Penders said. "He's been sensational in the bullpen for us and he showed me a lot today."

Saturday's 7-2 loss turned out to be almost the opposite for the Huskies as they were unable to string together any offense against Wildcat starter Brian Streilein (2-2), who went eight strong innings.

"We got off on a real good note [Friday] and then kinda let the foot off the gas [Saturday]," Penders said Sunday.

On the mound, Dan Mahoney (0-2) struggled with his command through all four innings he pitched, issuing six walks, while giving up six runs, all earned.

"We gave them a lot of free passes and they took advantage in the third and then put some hits together, too," Penders said. "You can't expect to win when you walk nine and hit a batter to give them 10 free bases. You can't give out free passes like that and expect to win and that was the story of the ballgame."

On Sunday, the Huskies bats woke up quickly as UConn scored five in the first and never looked back on the way to an 8-3 win in front of a crowd that featured former Baltimore Orioles manager and current Mets Announcer Lee Mazzilli.

Pat Mahoney smashed a two-run home run over the tall bushes in left field to get UConn started on offense. Villanova starter Chris Pack (0-3) was unable to get out of the inning, and was pulled after being called for a balk with men on first and second.

"We really played well today," Olt said. "We've been putting the ball into play all series."

Mazzilli said he was following up on a promise to Penders to come see the Huskies play and has one daughter at UConn, with another daughter coming to UConn next fall.

Starter Elliot Glynn was able to overcome a rocky six-walk performance, only surrendering two runs (one earned). Glynn pitched just well enough to bridge the gap to the bullpen, where Will Musson (2-0) and David Erickson held the Wildcats to just one run in the final 4.2 innings.

In the series, the bullpen continued to dominate for the Huskies, surrendering just two runs to the Wildcats over the three games.

The Huskies have an off-day today, before traveling to face Hartford (6-11) Tuesday at 3 p.m. on Campus Field in Hartford.

Contact Mike Northup at Michael.Northup@UConn.edu.