Blackwood, N.J. - The Camden County College Cougars won their 6th straight game yesterday afternoon. The Cougars defeated the Union County College Owls 6-2 in the first game of the three game Garden State Athletic Conference series. Yesterday's game was also the Cougars 6th game in 5 days.
Sophomore starting pitcher, Pete Berenato, got off a rocky start as the Union County College lead off hitter, Allen Cruz, went deep in the first at bat of the game. The Owls managed to scratch acrossed another run in the top of the 1st. The Cougars responded in the bottom half however as the Union County College pitcher, Aaron Smith, threw a pick off away with bases loaded as the Cougars tied the game 2-2 after one inning.
Berenato managed to settle in from that point foward and the Cougars offense kept attacking the Owls. Freshman outfielder, Robin Santos, hit a two out double to score Hunter Brelsford in the 3rd inning to make the score 4-2. The Cougars then took advantage of some walks in the 6th inning as they scratched acrossed two more runs. Berenato wound up going 7.1 innings for the Cougars allowing only two hits and striking out 12 Owls. The bullpen took it from there as freshman Frank Pagano and sophomore Matt Pallotta combined to throw a perfect 1.2 innings to close out the game securing the 6-2 victory.
Coach Merkh had this to say about the past week: "It's really been a great week. I definitely think the momentum got started in the Atlantic Cape series when we found a way to come back and get that walk off victory. Since then, our guys definitely seem more confident out there. You can tell we were a little fatigued and beat up today being our 6th game in 5 days, but this is a tough group of guys and Petey really managed to settle in after that shaky first inning. Got two more great arms ready to rock and roll this weekend to go for 8 straight, should be fun."
The Cougars are off today, but conclude the three game Garden State Athletic Series against Union County College tomorrow at Camden County College at 12pm for games 2 and 3. GO COUGARS!