FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University Baseball team began their home slate with an 8-2 win over Hartford in their 2022 home opener. Shortstop Colin Kelly had the big blast for the Stags with a three-run home and Jack Erbeck picked up his first win of the season as he hurled three shutout innings for the victory.
 
"I thought we had a good selection at the plate and didn't chase balls out of the zone," Head Coach Bill Currier said. "It was a tough day to hit with some inconsistent strikes but I thought it was good to get a lot of guys into the game. We got four relief pitchers in there that needed to get in during the week and they did a good job. We came out and turned a couple of nice double plays which is good to see."
 
The Stags tallied 17 baserunners during the nine-inning game and scored all eight of their runs in the first four innings.
 
Mike Becchetti would bat with the bases loaded in each of his first two at-bats and drove in a run in each. He started the scoring with a RBI single in the first and then forced in a run with a bases loaded walk in the second. The Stags would score two more runs in the second frame on a passed ball and wild pitch.
 
The Stags' biggest inning came in the fourth as Griffin Watson and Evan Berta led off the frame with back-to-back walks and were all brought home on a line drive homer by Kelly. The blast was the second of the season for Kelly. Ryan Strollo would add a double in the frame and would score on a Matt Zaffino RBI single.
 
In total, the Stags drew 10 walks in the game.
 
On the mound, four Fairfield pitchers combined to allow two runs on six hits during the brisk afternoon with temperatures dropping to nearly 35 degrees. Grant Smeltzer got the start and was impressive in his four innings of work surrendering just one run on three hits. Erbeck would throw the next three frames and give up just one hit while striking out three.
 
Mike Marella would throw a scoreless eighth inning while getting a nice double play turned by third baseman Nick Sturino.
 
Kelly was the lone Stag with a pair of hits as he went 2-for-5. Berta led the Stags with three runs scored as he reached base on three walks.
 
The Stags are back in action on Wednesday when they host Central Connecticut State at 3pm.