FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Fairfield University Baseball senior pitcher
Jake Noviello tossed the first perfect game in program history as he retired all 21 batters he faced in a 10-0 seven-inning victory over Saint Peter's on Sunday. The perfect game marks the fourth time in program history that a Fairfield pitcher has not allowed a hit in a complete game and the first time since Joe Cizynski in 1977. The win also completes a three-game sweep for the Stags and boosts their conference record to 12-3.
"It's obviously a special thing but in a way it means even more knowing what I've been through the past year," Noviello said. "At one point last summer I didn't know if I would be able to throw a baseball again. But now, I can say I've been perfect which is pretty special. Thanks to plenty of run support and terrific fielding I can say I'm a part of Fairfield history."
"I'm so happy for Jake," Head Coach
Bill Currier said. "He has gone through rehabbing in the summer and fall and came out today and just put it all together. He had great command of his fastball and slider. He was ahead in counts all day. I'm just really happy for his outing today with everything he has been through."
Noviello needed just 71 pitches to retire all 21 batters he faced through seven innings while striking out four. He was able to accomplish the feat with 11 fly outs, six groundouts, and four punch outs. The win brings his season total to 3-2 as he tosses the first complete game for the Stags this season. The right-hander had just one three-ball count in the afternoon and also made the best defensive play of the day by grabbing a line drive right up the middle.
Offensively, the Stags got six RBI from
Matt Bergevin who opened the scoring with a RBI single in the first. His biggest hits, however, would be a three-run homer in the second and a two-run double to center in the sixth. He would also lead the Stags with three hits on the afternoon.
Mike Becchetti would also enjoy a perfect 2-for-2 day with two runs scored and two doubles including one that drove in a pair in the second inning.
One of the biggest surprises of the weekend,
Paul Catalano continued to raise some eyebrows as he capped the scoring with a RBI single in the second and another one in the seventh, which forced the 10-run rule and ended the game.
Coming into the weekend batting 5-for-19 in his career, Catalano would go 7-for-14 in the series with 12 RBI and five runs scored.
The Stags have now hit a program record 47 home runs this year, the top number in the MAAC. They also jump into first place in the conference with their 12-3 conference record.
Fairfield will next take the field for a couple of midweek contests starting with a short road trip to Sacred Heart on Tuesday at 3:30pm.