2008 Woodie Awards
UConn Continues Hot Streak
Baseball
Mike Northup
Issue date: 3/28/08 Section: Sports
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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.
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