YORK, PA - After a deflating 8-5 loss to Mary Washington in the first game of the Capital Athletic Conference Tournament on Wednesday, the Spartans came into game two with their backs against the wall, realizing that another loss would eliminate them from a chance to bring home the CAC title. Fortunately for York, they did not waste their second opportunity as they bested visiting St. Mary's 9-2 on Thursday in round two of the CAC Tournament.

Junior pitcher Andy Rosenzweig (Glen Rock, Pa./Susquehannok) got the nod from Head Coach Paul Saikia to make the start on the mound. Rosenzweig was able to tough out a strong six innings despite not having his normal stuff. The right-hander allowed just three hits and one run over those six innings as he danced out of danger several times, stranding six St. Mary's runners.

The Spartan offense got off to a hot start in the bottom of the first when third baseman Kyle Cook (Pylesville, Md./North Hardord) ripped a hot shot down the third base line for a double. Spartan three-hitter Rick Shumway (Shippensburg, Pa./Shippensburg Area) would then follow with a hard hit ball that would find its way past St. Mary's shortstop Matt Baden. Shumway then proceeded to steal second, putting two runners in scoring position with Mike Connolly (Selden, N.Y./Newfield) and CT Stanley (Timmonium, Md./Calvert Hall College) coming to bat. Connolly hit a grounder to first base that proved enough to plate Cook and advance Shumway to third. Then Stanley would immediately follow with a big double to left center field. Those two runs would give York a slight cushion to work with going into the second.

The Seahawks cut York's lead to one in the top of the second, courtesy of a Brad Shepherd double. Rosenzweig limited the damage however, as he enticed Jon Gill into a ground-out to end the frame.

In a 2-1 ball game the Spartans would catch a break in the bottom of the fourth as a hard hit ball by right fielder Joe Doyle (Stewartstown, Pa./Red Lion) ate-up St. Mary's first basemen Ian Simpson-Shelton, giving the Spartans a one out base runner. Junior Rob Klinck (Stanhope, N.J./ Lenape Valley Regional) followed with a line drive double that hugged the left field line. A wild pitch would bring across Doyle and advance Klinck to third. A Matt Monti (Easton, Pa./Easton) single would bring across Klinck to make it 4-1.

After a Monti stolen base, leadoff man Dustin Worthman (Tabernacle, N.J./ Seneca) delivered a huge two-out single to drive in Monti. Worthman would follow in Monti's steps as he promptly swiped second. This would set the stage for a Cook single, trailed by a Shumway triple down the right field line. The fourth would prove to be the biggest inning for the offense as they led 7-1 after four complete.

With the score still 7-1 the Spartans would tacked on some extra insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth. Jim Meehan (Mastic, N.Y./ Eastport South-Manor Central) would start the rally with a single through the left side. Shumway was then hit by a pitch, putting two aboard for Connolly. The left-handed clean-up man made the most of his opportunity as he doubled, driving in both Meehan and Shumway. That would conclude the Spartan scoring for the game as the offense handed the bullpen a six run lead that would hold up, resulting in a 7-2 win, and a chance to live another day.

For the game, Shumway posted a 2-for-4 day with a RBI and two runs scored. Cook, Worthman, Klinck, and Meehan each added a pair of hits for the Green and White while Connolly recorded three runs batted in.

On the hill, Rosenzweig captured his third victory of the season going six innings while only allowing three Seahawk hits. Brandon Ullom (South Plainfield, N.J./South Plainfield), Brian Workman (Cherry Hill, N.J./Paul VI), and Josh Kohn (Derwood, Md./Col. Zadok Magruder) each pitched an inning of relief to close out the Spartan win.

Lyle Kralle led the St. Mary's offense as he went 3-for-4 at the dish, the only Seahawk to record more than one hit, while driving in home a run. Shepherd's double provided the Seahawks only other run of the contest.

Mike Victory takes the loss on the mound as he threw only 3.2 innings, giving up nine hits and seven runs, although only three were earned. Devon Jerrod tossed 2.1 while Wick Eisenberg and Mike Bitanga finished off the game by throwing an inning each.

The Spartans chase for the CAC title continues this weekend, as they travel to Salisbury to take on Wesley in a third round match up. First pitch is slated for 12:30 pm on Saturday. Fans not able to make it to Salisbury, Md. can follow the action via the live stats link at www.ycpspartans.com.

GAME BOX

Photo: Spartan starter Andy Rosenzweig throws a pitch during York's 9-2 victory over St. Mary's on Thursday - courtesy of Zach Clabaugh - www.sharpedgephoto.smugmug.com

Game story written by Art Lopez - York College sports information student-intern