NEW HAVEN, CT – The College of Saint Rose had a solid pitching performance by senior left-hander David Batchelder go by the wayside as host Southern Connecticut State University took advantage of four miscues by the Golden Knights to squeeze out a 3-0 victory today in the Northeast-10 Conference opener for both clubs. The Owls (16-0/1-0 NE-10), who are ranked #5 in the latest National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Division II Poll, tied a school record with their 16th consecutive victory as well.

Both hurlers surrendered just one hit apiece in the ballgame. Batchelder fanned five in 6.0 strong innings of work for Saint Rose (5-7/0-1 NE-10). Junior right-hander Nick Polsinelli tossed the final 2.0 innings of no-hit ball in relief.

Southern Connecticut junior southpaw Chris Zbin was just as effective. Zbin recorded eight strikeouts in 7.0 innings of work and faced only two batters over the minimum. Zbin gave way to junior right-hander Ryan Yerina, who chalked up his first save of the year after retiring the six batters he faced in order.

The Owls struck in the bottom of the first when junior first baseman Ryan Geffert delivered an RBI single through the left side that plated senior catcher Nick DeProspo, who was hit by a pitch two batters earlier. Southern Connecticut then scratched out unearned runs in the sixth and seventh to provide the final margin.

Senior first baseman Grant Smith provided the lone hit of the contest for the Golden Knights with a single in the second inning.

Both squads are scheduled to meet again Thursday afternoon in Albany in what marks the 2011 home-opener for Saint Rose. Game time is set for 3:30 pm at Bob Bellizzi Field at the Christian Plumeri Sports Complex.

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