"Falling just short" was the theme of the weekend for the Boston College baseball team. The Eagles dropped a 5-4 decision to St. John's on Sunday to lose the weekend series after splitting a doubleheader the previous day. BC starting pitcher Matt O'Donnell gave up a two-run home run in the eighth inning after holding a tentative lead throughout the game. The Eagles failed to complete the comeback rally in the final two innings to earn the win.
O'Donnell struggled during the first inning of his outing, giving up a leadoff home run to Mike Rozema, followed by a single to the next batter. He was quickly bailed out by the offense in the bottom of the inning. After Eric Wright reached on a dropped ball at first, Ryan Leahy tripled to right field to send the run home. Ryan Morgan then gave BC a one run lead with a groundout RBI to second base.
After a scoreless second inning, the Red Storm answered to tie the game. With two outs, Jim Martin singled to centerfield off O'Donnell. He was able to move into scoring position after a passed ball.
O'Donnell settled down through the third and fourth innings, allowing only two hits and no runs. More importantly, he kept BC in position for a comeback. The Eagles' starter saved his best for the sixth, bailing out himself and his team. With one out, O'Donnell gave up a double off the left field wall. The next St. John's batter reached base safely on a questionable throwing error by BC third baseman Marco Albano. Albano's high toss to first was deemed by the umpire to have forced Morgan's foot off the bag, even though it appeared Morgan made the play. The play left two men on with only one out. The momentum from the top of the inning carried over to the bottom, as the Eagles scored a run to take a 3-2 lead. The rally started with Red Storm pitcher Anthony Varvaro walking centerfielder Drew Locke on five pitches, followed by a shortstop fielding error that put Jason Delaney on base.
After a bunt failed to advance the runners, Garrett Greer lined a shot down the first base line that was bobbled by St. John's right fielder Hershelman to score Delaney.
Spring Break
