WEST HARTFORD, Conn. -  The Hawks defeated Conference of New England (CNE) opponent Nichols College with a cinematic walk-off victory, 9-8 this Tuesday.

Rapid Recap:

• The Bison had the hot bat early on as they would jump to an early 1-0 lead by way of an RBI single in the top of the first inning. 
• The Hawks offense retaliated in the bottom of the second inning as junior Josh Kaplan (Suffern, N.Y.) would drive in junior Jeremy Mangiameli (Middlefield, Conn.) to even the score at one a piece. Sophomore Tyler Shannon (Madison, N.J.) would further the Hawks lead with an RBI triple down the left field line, which would score Kaplan and junior Jackson Ciccone (Danbury, Conn.) extending the Hawks lead to 3-1. Shannon would come across to score yet another run for Hartford as sophomore JJ Romatzick (Stratford, Conn.) would hit a sacrifice fly out to right field to bring the lead to 4-1.
• The Bison would come back in the top of the third inning as they would score two by way of a RBI double down the right field line, and a one out sacrifice groundout that would score the runner at third. 
• Nichols would add another to the scoreboard in the top of the fourth inning as an RBI single would score two and the Bison would regain the lead 5-4.
• In the top of the sixth inning, Nichols would add another run via a one out groundout to Romatzick. The Hawks would come back in a big way in the bottom of the sixth, as Kaplan would come through in a major way knocking in a two out RBI single that would score Mangiameli and Santiago to even the score at six. Kaplan would steal second and Shannon would knock him in with an RBI single up the middle, as through six innings Hartford lead 7-6.
• Nichols would find their way back in the game once again in the top of the seventh inning as they would score one via an RBI single to tie the game 7-7. 
• In the top of the ninth Nichols would score again as they would take the lead walking in a runner. In the bottom of the ninth Santiago stepped up with runners on first and second. Santiago would knock a line drive into right field, Shannon would come across to score. Romatzick would be sent around third, but the throw at the plate would beat him and a controversial call at the plate would see him out and this game would see extra innings.
• In the extra inning, the Hawks defended strong with two quick outs to second base. The Bison were dangerous after Anthony Hackert advanced to second off of a wild pitch after hitting a single. Hartford threw out the next batter protecting the score at 8-8 heading into the bottom of the tenth.
• Hartford delivered the bottom half in exciting fashion. Mangiameli was first to get on base driving it to right field, stopping at first base. Ciccone was smart at the plate taking a crucial walk to advance Mangiameli to second. With two Hawks in threatening positions Kaplan approaches the plate as the fans fall quiet. Kaplan rips a clutch, game-winning single up the middle to bring Mangiameli home as he sneaks by the Bison's catcher. The Hawks rush the field to celebrate yet another incredible walk-off victory, 9-8 over Nichols.

On the Mound:

• Freshman Justin Gouin (North Haven, Conn.) saw three innings to get it started for the Hawks, giving up five runs, seven hits, two walks, one wild pitch, and three strikeouts. Senior Luke RIer (Miami, Fla.) threw two innings, one run, two hits, and two strikeouts. Next for the Hawks was sophomore Sam Smith (Branford, Conn.) he pitched one inning, with two hits, one run, and two walks. Freshman Evan Gentile (Berlin, Conn.) took the plate for one inning, giving up four hits, one run, one walk, and one strikeout. Sophomore Tyler Blumetti (Southington, Conn.) closed it out for the Hawks throwing one inning, allowing one hit, one walk, one wild pitch, and one strikeout.

At the Plate:

• Kaplan delivered for the Hawks going 2-5 with four RBIs, and two runs scored, including the walk-off single to bring Mangiameli home for the win. Shannon went 3-4 with three RBIs, a triple, and two runs scored. Santiago showed strong going 4-4, with two doubles, four hits, one run scored, and one RBI. Mangiameli went 3 for 5, having three runs scored and one double.

Post Game Press:
"This is huge for the program", said junior Josh Kaplan (Suffern, N.Y.) "I am just really happy to come through for my guys, they've been battling all game. This is a big momentum shift for the team, we have to keep coming through, continue to battle, and chug through conference play. I know that if we do it on the mound and do it with our sticks we'll be doing just fine."

Up Next:
The Hawks will hit the road to take on New Paltz this Wednesday, April 2nd at 4:00 p.m. before they return home for their double-header this weekend to take on their next CNE opponent Curry College this Saturday at 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

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