The Cougars of Saint Xavier rode a sweet seven game winning streak into a double header against Robert Morris University last week. Unfortunately, the impressive run ended after splitting with the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference foe. However, Saint Xavier’s strong play has catapulted them into the midst of a crowded top of the CCAC North division.
Following the loss to RMU, the Cougars responded with three straight victories to finish off the week. With only a few games remaining before the CCAC Tournament begins on May 6, Saint Xavier boasts an overall record of 23-20 and sit a game behind Saint Ambrose in the CCAC North standings.
On April 20, the Cougars competed in a double header against a tough conference opponent in Purdue University Calumet. Freshman pitcher Brett Smith got the start for Saint Xavier in game one and pitched well in six innings of work. The right-hander benefitted from an early 2-0 lead and looked to be in command early.
However, Smith eventually ran into trouble in the fourth and sixth innings. Purdue-Calumet mustered three hits in the fourth, and two hits in the sixth while benefitting from a Saint Xavier error to score a combined four runs.
With the score tied at four going into the final inning, Smith let up a leadoff single and was relieved by sophomore Tyler Hebel. After a sacrifice bunt and a walk with one out, Purdue-Calumet runners were able to advance into scoring position after a passed ball.
A sacrifice fly ended up being the difference in game one, as Saint Xavier fell 5-4.Game two was a much better showing for the Cougars, as they rebounded from back-to-back losses with a dominant 10-2 victory.
Saint Xavier managed 10 runs on 10 hits in the contest, but the story revolved around a strong outing from their starting pitcher. Sophomore Matthew McKenzie shut down the Purdue-Calumet offense in a complete game victory. The lefty gave up two runs on 10 scattered hits while walking only one.
McKenzie got some support early, as the Cougars jumped to a 4-0 lead. Purdue-Calumet cut the deficit to three by scoring a run in the sixth, but Saint Xavier responded with three of their own to essentially put the game out of reach at 7-1.
Centerfielder Alex Neufeld had two hits, two walks and three runs scored in the contest, while right-fielder Steve Carrabotta had two hits and two RBIs to his credit. Shortstop Mark Martin joined the fun by adding two RBIs of his own, as did second baseman Garrett Bright.
A steady offensive showing, along with the help of five Purdue-Calumet errors, resulted in a series split against their conference opponent. Saint Xavier won game two by the score of 10-2. Winning and hitting is contagious. The Cougars proved that theory to be true after dominating a two game series against CCAC foe Calumet College of Saint Joseph.
Saint Xavier totaled 18 runs on 23 hits in the two game affairs while limiting their opponent to just three runs on seven hits. Granted, Calumet College sits at the bottom of the CCAC with an overall record of 5-42, but that should not take away from Saint Xavier’s accomplishment.
Calumet College is a team Saint Xavier should beat – and they did, twice. Good teams refuse to let bad teams beat them and the Cougars have made a strong case as a legitimate contender in the CCAC. It was a tough start to the season for the Cougars. There was a point in which they found themselves six games under .500.
However, head coach Rocco Mossuto and his staff has turned a program that saw only 13 wins a year ago into a well-oiled machine in 2016. After a three game non-conference matchup against Mount Mercy University, Saint Xavier will face their toughest stretch of the year to finish off the regular season.
The Cougars take on second place Trinity Christian College, as well as top overall CCAC opponent Judson University this week. It will be a true test to see how Saint Xavier stacks up against the best teams in their conference.
Mike Rankin
Sport’s Contributor
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