AVE MARIA, Fla. — After 13 games on the road, the Gyrenes finally opened their home schedule with a 6-2 win over the New College of Florida Mighty Banyans. March 8 was the latest home opener for the Gyrenes in program history, and it seemed Ave Maria was happy to be home.
New College struck first in the top of the first, but they didn't hold the lead for long.
In the bottom half of the opening frame, Francesco Barbieri got the Gyrenes on the board with a solo shot over the left center wall. It was the fifth-year senior's eighth home run of the year, which is already tied for the seventh most in school history.
After a scoreless second, the Gyrenes got back on the board in the bottom of the third, bringing home three runs. Davis Blair got the scoring started with a two-RBI single with the bases loaded, and the David Leonardi brought the third run home with a sacrifice fly.
New College got a run in the top of the fifth off an RBI single, but besides their two runs, starter Sean Hogan was untouchable for the Mighty Banyans. The senior transfer from Williams College struck out 12 batters in 5.2 innings. Hogan had three straight 1-2-3 innings from in the second, third, and fourth before finally allowing another baserunner in the fifth.
With 12 strikeouts, Hogan sets the new individual high this season and become the first pitcher in exactly a year to strikeout more than 10 batters. Cam Horner was the last to do that, March 8, 2023, against the Dordt Defenders.
Isaac Hines finished up the fifth inning without any more Banyans crossing the plate and tossed a scoreless sixth and seventh innings as well.
The Gyrenes scored their final two runs in the bottom of the sixth. With two runners in scoring position, a wild pitch on ball four brought home Connor James, who dove to tag home plate before the New College catcher could tag his out-stretched arm. Kyle Kuramoto, who advanced to third on the wild pitch, was brought home on an RBI groundout for the sixth and final run.
Paul Arencibia came out of the bullpen to pitch the ninth for the Gyrenes and got two strikeouts to secure the 6-2 win for Ave Maria.
As a team, Hogan, Hines and Arencibia combined for 15 strikeouts, the team high on the year and tied for the sixth most in program history.
With the win, Ave Maria snaps a five-game losing streak and improves to 6-8 on the year. The Gyrenes will play a doubleheader against the Mighty Banyans Saturday, March 9, to close out their first home series. Both games will be seven innings as New College will not be a member of the Sun Conference until next year. First pitch is scheduled for noon with the series finale set to start 30 minutes following the conclusion of game one. Both games can be streamed on the Sun Digital Network.
