Eastern Nazarene College Athletics Men's Baseball

May 1, 2008. Quincy, Mass. It was announced today that senior Jarred Wiedenroth (Swampscott, Mass./Swampscott HS) was selected to the All-TCCC Honorable Mention Team in The Commonwealth Coast Conference (TCCC).

After batting .271 through the first half of the season, Wiedenroth found his swing and hit a scorching .423 through the second half of the season where he collected 22 hits in 52 at bats, 15 RBI's (23 on the year) including a grand slam in a dramatic series finale win vs. Anna Maria. Wiedenroth finished the season batting .350 and was 13th in The Commonwealth Coast Conference as he hit for .377 in TCCC games. He struck out only 6 times this season, drew 16 walks, was hit by 5 pitches and thus earned an on base percentage of .455. While on base he stole 11 times and crossed home for the Crusaders 20 times.

In so much as ENC Career Baseball statistics go (updated as far back as 1997), Wiedenroth finishes 1 game shy of having the most starts (134) in Crusader history, while he finishes as the most played Crusader ever playing in 136 games. Batting a career .292, he has stolen 45 bags, hit 18 doubles, 3 triples and 3 home runs. Wiedenroth is 4th in stolen bases (45), 9th in career runs scored (74), 7th in hits (125), 6th in RBI's (74) and 8th in total bases (158).

April 26, 2008. Paxton, Mass. Eastern Nazarene College swept Anna Maria College as seniors Jared Wiedenroth and Matt Manganelli leave the team with games to remember.

In the first game SR Craig Dix (Clinton, MD) came from the bullpen and improved his record to 2-0 with the win as the Crusaders scored the go ahead run in the top of the 6^th. Junior Josh Daniels (Smithsburg, MD) closed the game out and picked up his 3rd save of the season.

Both teams scored 2 runs in the first inning but Anna Maria struck for six more in the second jumping to an early 8-2 lead.

However the game deciding inning came in the sixth as Eastern Nazarene rallied back in dramatic fashion to score seven runs with two outs to snatch the lead and victory over the AMCats. After a RBI single by JR Steve Pirrotta (Yonkers, NY), SR Jarred Wiedenroth (Swampscott, Mass.) and FR Justin Denbow (Readfield, ME) each took pitches out of the park for home runs. Wiedenroth’s home run being a grand slam which brought Eastern Nazarene to within a run and Denbow’s, coming after a pitching change, being a two run blast that gave the Crusaders the go ahead and decisive run.

Unlike the first game, the second never saw Anna Maria lead as they fell behind early in the 1^st inning as Eastern Nazarene jumped out to a 2-0 lead.

Matt Maganelli (Charlestown, Mass.) gets his second win of the season as he pitched 6 innings of 4 hit, 2 walk, 3 strike out baseball, only giving up 1 earned run as Daniels made his 4^th save of the season, 2^nd on the day, by striking out the side in the seventh.

Dave Dickerson (North Plainfield, NJ) led the way for Eastern Nazarene by scoring a run and getting a RBI while going 2 for 3.

BROOKLINE, Mass. – A singled to center with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning scored the winning run of game one and a two-run double to right in the last of the sixth erased a 1-0 deficit in the nightcap as the Wentworth baseball team swept Eastern Nazarene, 6-5, and 1-0 in a The Commonwealth Coast Conference doubleheader played at Northeastern University’s Friedman Diamond.

After the Leopards took an early 1-0 lead Eastern Nazarene freshman starter Jusitn Denbow (Readfield, Maine) got a ground out and a strikeout to end the inning. Wentworth increased its lead to 2-0 an inning later on a sacrifice fly.

The Crusaders came up with four runs in the top of the third to take a 4-2 lead, keyed by a senior Jared Wiedenroth (Swampscott, Mass.) two-run single that scored junior Josh Daniels (Smithsburg, Md.) and classmate Steve Pirrotta (Yonkers, N.Y.)—both of whom had walked to open the inning. Senior Craig Dix (Clinton, Md.), who drew Eastern Nazarene’s third consecutive base on balls to open the inning, scored on a wild pitch that put Wiedenroth on third. Wiedenroth would come across with the fourth run of the inning when freshman Steve Doyle (Weymouth, Mass.) reached on a fielder’s choice and junior Dave Dickerson (North Plainfield, N.J.) got hung up between second and third long enough for Wiedenroth to score before the third out was recorded.

The Leopards would tie the game at 4-4 in the third inning on a throwing error as they tried to complete a double play and then an RBI single. And with a chance to take the lead in the fifth, the Leopards were prevented from doing so as the Crusaders nailed the runner at the plate on a failed squeeze attempt. But in the last of the sixth inning, the Crusaders gave up the lead with a bases loaded wild pitch.

Down to their final three outs the Crusaders got a break when Dix opened the inning by reaching on an error. He moved himself into scoring position by stealing second and went to third on a single through the left side by sophomore Tyler Nicholson (Vancouver, Wash.). Nicholson stole second to put a pair in scoring position and Wiedenroth would tie the game with a sacrifice fly to right that scored Dix.

And with the game tied in the seventh, the Leopards took advantage of their game-winning single.

Freshman Matt Winders (Plymouth, Mass.) took the loss (1-2) for the Crusaders, as he allowed the two walks in the seventh inning. Dix would inherit those runners and allowed the winning run to score. Denbow pitched the first six, allowing five runs on 10 hits, walking five, and striking out five. Wiedenroth was 2-for-3 with three RBI, while freshman Nate Leaser (Soloan Beach, Calif.) was 2-for-3.

Neither team would crack the scoring column in game two until Eastern Nazarene scored in the top of the fourth. Denbow led off with a walk and moved to second on a senior Matt Baluch (Swansea, Mass.) single. Pirrotta plated Denbow with an RBI single , but the Crusaders would leave two runners on to end the inning.

In the sixth inning the Crusaders had a chance to extend their lead when Denbow tripled to right center to lead off the inning. However, the Crusaders stranded him on base as the next three batters went down. Wentworth would capitalize on three singles and a 2 RBI double. Another single would make it 3-1 before the Crusaders would end the inning on a double play.

Doyle took the loss (0-6) for Eastern Nazarene, allowing four runs on eight hits, walked one, and struck out four in 5.1 innings of work. Sophomore Juan Rivera (Salem, N.H.) came on in relief, walked a batter and induced the double play to end the sixth. At the plate, Wiedenroth was 2-for-2, while Baluch was 2-for-3.

April 21, 2008. Quincy, Mass. The pitchers seemed to have their way today as the Eastern Nazarene and Gordon College pitchers held their opponents to few hits on the day.

In game one it was Gordon’s Scots pitcher SO Stephan Kefalas (Wenham, Mass.) who held the Crusaders to 2 hits over 6 2/3 innings while striking out 7 and walking 6. Crusaders’ SR Matt Manganelli (Charlestown, Mass.) started the game and while lasting only 4 innings he only gave up 5 hits as he struck out 4 and walked 3.

In the third, a Scots double, a passed ball and then an RBI single gave them a 1-0 lead.

The Crusaders responded in the bottom half of the inning as SR Craig Dix (Clinton, MD) walked on and was singled to second and then singled home by SR Jared Wiedenroth (Swampscott, Mass.) before the inning would end as the Crusaders had tied the game at 1-1.

The Scots however loaded the bases in the fourth and a passed ball would end up scoring the runner on third. The next batter doubled home the other two Scot runners on base and the visitors took the 4-1 lead that would hold true for the win.

Crusaders southpaw SO Juan Rivera (Pelham, NH) came in to give the Crusaders relief in the fifth as he completed the game for Eastern Nazarene striking out 4, walking 1 and enjoying a pick off of the batter he walked.

In game two the Crusaders pitching and hitting turned their luck around. In the first, JR Dave Dickerson (North Plainfield, NJ) singled home SO Tyler Nicholson (Vancouver, WA) from second base.

Then in the top of the 2^nd, the Crusaders got themselves out of a jam. With the bases loaded a fly-out to right field and put out at the plate with a superb throw from Crusaders Rivera catching the runner tagging up from third base to end the inning.

In the fourth, FR Justin Denbow (Readfield, ME) doubled on and advanced to third on a wild pitch and then beat the throw home on a FR Steve Doyle (Weymouth, Mass.) sac-fly to right field. Then an infield single by JR Steve Pirotta (Yonkers, NY) sent SR Matt Baluch (Swansea, Mass.) across home making it 3-0. Dix then scored on a fielding error and Pirotta finally came across on a Wiedenroth sac-fly before the inning would end with the Crusaders leading 5-0.

The Scots threatened in the 5^th and 6th innings but Crusader double-plays were in order getting the home team out of trouble. The Scots would finally score one in the seventh but reliever FR Matt Winders (Plymouth, Mass.) would finish off the last batter with a strike out to end the game.

Eastern Nazarene starter southpaw JR Josh Daniels (Smithsburg, MD) lasted 4 1/3 innings giving up 2 hits, striking out 5 and walking 5. The Crusaders pitching staff only gave up 3 hits for the combined win. Eastern Nazarene’s Nicholson led the Crusaders as he went 1 for 2 at the plate with 1 RBI and 1 run scored to go with a walk.

Eastern Nazarene (7-23 / 4-14) is at TCCC rival Wentworth on Thursday, April 24th.

April 17, 2008. Quincy, Mass. Eastern Nazarene dropped a midseason non-conference game at Bradley Field today to the Beacons of UMass-Boston, 13-3.

In the second inning with two out, the Beacons loaded the bases and were on the verge of scoring but Crusader southpaw JR Stephen Newman (Valdosta, GA) ended the top half of the inning with a strike out.

Newman would not be so lucky in the third though as the Beacons racked up seven runs. The visiting team scored on a passed ball, a 2 RBI double, a 2 RBI single, another RBI single and a run scored on a 6-4-3 double play ball.

In the fourth inning the Beacons loaded the bases and managed to add three more runs to the total on just one hit to make it 10-0. The Beacons would score two more in the fifth and one in the seventh to tally their final run total at 13.

The Crusaders would tally all three of their runs in the sixth inning on five hits as JR Josh Daniels (Smithsburg, MD) hit a bases loaded single to score two runs and then SR Craig Dix (Clinton, MD) doubled home another RBI to make the score 12-3 before the Beacons made it 13-3 in the seventh.

Senior Jared Wiedenroth (Swampscott) continues to lead the Crusaders as he went 2 for 4 and Daniels 1 for 3 with his 2 RBI single. The Crusaders pitching staff gave up 12 hits as SO Tyler Nicholson (Vancouver, WA) lasted the longest throwing four innings allowing 3 hits, 3 runs with 5 strikeouts and 5 walks.

Eastern Nazarene picks it up again on Saturday, April 19^th at New England College.

April 15, 2008. Bristol, RI. Eastern Nazarene dropped a pair of games to TCCC co-leaders, the Hawks of Roger Williams University, 9-6 and 5-1.

The Crusaders jumped on top early, as SR Jarred Wiedenroth (Swampscott, Mass.) reached on an infield single in the top of the first and then came around to score on JR Dave Dickerson’s (North Plainfield, N.J.) two-run home run to left center. Yet the Crusaders could not hold the lead as RWU put five runs on the board to take a three-run lead, 5-2.

Wiedenroth gave the Crusaders another run in the third on an RBI single, but the Hawks responded with what would be the game winning runs by scoring four in their own bottom half.

Despite being down by six, the Crusaders continued to claw their way back in the game, cutting the gap to four off of a two-run shot to right field by JR Stephen Newman (Valdosta, Ga.) making the deficit 9-5. The Crusaders would manage one more in the seventh but could not draw any closer.

Wiedenroth had two hits, one run, and one RBI for the Crusaders, while teammates Dickerson and Newman had a hit and two RBI apiece coming off of home runs.

In the second game of the doubleheader, the Hawks jumped out to a 1-0 advantage with a solo home run. A pair of doubles later in the game would score four more runs for the home team as the Crusaders could only add one in the sixth inning to arrive at the final score, 5-1.

Newman and SR Craig Dix (Clinton, MD) led the Crusaders at the plate with 1 for 3 hitting while Wiedenroth crossed the plate to score ENC’s only run.

April 14, 2008. Dudley, Mass. Eastern Nazarene edged out a win in game two (7-6) while just falling short in game one(2-1) as they split this The Commonwealth Coast Conference double header with Nichols College. Eastern Nazarene is now 5-18 overall and 2-10 in the conference.

Eastern Nazarene got on the board early as it scored a run in the first inning off of three hits and one walk. Freshman Justin Denbow (Readfield, Maine) had an RBI single to score SO Tyler Nicholson (Vancouver, Wash.) who had walked to lead off the game. The Bison tied it up in the bottom of the fourth inning on a RBI single.

In the bottom of the seventh, the Bison loaded the bases with two singles and an intentional walk. Then an errant field by second baseman allowed Nichols to score the winning run.

In the second game the Bison drew to an early lead. However, the Crusaders of Eastern Nazarene came back to score four runs in the top of the third inning. Nicholson scored on a double by SR Jarred Wiedenroth (Swampscott, Mass.) who later scored when JR Dave Dickerson (North Plainfield, N.J.) doubled down the left field line. Dickerson scored on an RBI groundout by FR Steve Doyle (Weymouth, Mass.) to make the score 3-2. Denbow, who had reached on an error earlier in the inning, scored the fourth run as FR Nate Leaser (Solana Beach, Calif.) reached on an error by the second baseman.

Both teams scored one run in the fifth inning to make it a 5-3 game. The Crusaders scored on an error by the shortstop while the Bison had a groundout score a run.

Eastern Nazarene made the score 7-3 in the sixth inning when Wiedenroth had a two-run single that scored SO Juan Rivera (Pelham, N.H.) and Dickerson who walked and reached on an error respectively. The Bison pulled close with a sixth inning rally by came up one run short and lost, 7-6.

Junior Josh Daniels (Smithsburg, MD) got the win, while SR Craig Dix (Clinton, MD) got the save for the Crusaders while combined they gave up 7 hits, struck out 7 and walked 7 over 7 innings.

April 10, 2008. Eastern Nazarene was held to one run through two games by Salve Regina, dropping game one 8-1 and game two 15-0 in The Commonwealth Coast Conference (TCCC) play at Adams Field in Quincy, Mass.

In game one the Seahawks would rack up thirteen hits, including a five hit, five run second inning to take an early and strong lead. The visitors scored two more in the third inning and an insurance run in the 5^th to give them the 8-1 lead, where the game stood for its final score.

The Crusaders would get their only run in the third as DH freshman Justin Denbow (Readfield, ME) singled home SO Tyler Nicholson (Vancouver, WA) from second base.

Leading the Crusaders was Nicholson who went 1 for 3 with a walk and a run scored.

In game two the Seahawks scored seven runs in the 6^th inning to lead 12-0, and then three more in the 7th to put the game out of reach at 15-0. The Crusaders struggled in the field as they committed five errors, as well as on the mound giving up thirteen hits.

Senior Jared Wiedenroth (Swampscott, Mass.) led the Crusaders going 2 for 3 at the plate.

Eastern Nazarene (4-17 / 1-9) travels to Nichols College this Saturday, April 12 for another TCCC doubleheader. Salve Regina (14-12-1 / 4-7-1) heads to Henniker, NH on the same day for a TCCC match up against New England College.

WNEC Sweeps Eastern Nazarene in TCCC Doubleheader

April 8, 2008. Quincy, Mass. The Golden Bears of WNEC beat twice the Crusaders of ENC in a The Commonwealth Coast Conference match up, 12-5 and 6-0. In game one of the double header the Golden Bears, leading 2-0, broke the game open with a nine run 3rd inning while collecting just 4 hits. However, they capitalized on walks, errors and a home run before the top half of the inning would end with the visitors leading 11-0.

In the sixth inning junior Josh Daniels (Smithsburg, MD) led off with a home run of his own while the Crusaders behind him crossed home plate three more times to make the score 12-5, but that would not be enough to salvage a win.

Junior Dave Dickerson (North Plainfield, NJ) led the Crusaders going 1 for 2 with 2 walks and a run scored.

In game two of the TCCC doubleheader, the Golden Bears shut out the Crusaders 6-0 as the visitors pitching held the Crusders to 4 hits over 7 innings while striking out 4 and walking 1. Crusader SR Matt Baluch (Swansea, Mass.) led the home team at the plate going 1 for 2 with a walk.

Eastern Nazarene (4-15) hosts Salve Regina Thursday, April 10th at Adams Field in Quincy, Mass.

APRIL 3rd, 2008. QUINCY, Mass. The Eastern Nazarene Crusaders got on board tonight for their first win of The Commonwealth Coast Conference season. As they lost, 10-5, in game one, they hung on through the last 3 innings with a one run lead in game two to win, 2-1.

The visiting Chargers hit the ball well in game one and took a 1-0 lead in the first and added four more runs in the third inning while limiting the Crusaders on the offense with stingy pitching. The Chargers added one more in the fourth and two in the fifth and sixth innings to cap their scoring off at 10. A late game charge in the sixth and seventh innings resulting in 3 more runs to make the score 10-5 did not give the Crusaders enough of a chance for the comeback in game one.

Eastern Nazarene was led by JR David Dickerson (North Plainfield, NJ) going 2 for 4 with a RBI and a run scored. Pitcher FR Nate Leaser ((Solana Beach, CA) gets the loss as he gave up 11 hits.

Game two was a pitching duel as Crusader SR Craig Dix (Clinton, MD) retired the side through the first three innings. The Chargers struck first in the fourth inning on a lead off triple followed by a RBI single, but the Crusaders took the lead in the bottom half of the inning. David Dickerson crossed home plate on a deep sacrifice fly to centerfield by FR Steve Doyle (Weymouth, Mass.), and then JR Stephen Newman (Valdosta, GA) doubled home SR Jarred Wiedenroth (Swampscott, Mass.) to right center to give the home team a 2-1 lead.

The game went the rest of the way without another run, as Dix went through 5 and 1/3 innings for the win, allowing 4 hits, 1 walk and getting 3 strike outs. Junior Josh Daniels (Smithsburg, MD) came in to earn the save as he struck out 5, walked 1 and allowed 1 hit.

Eastern Nazarene (4-13, 1-5 TCCC) hosts Salve Regina April 5th at Adams Field in Quincy, Mass.

APIRL 2nd, 2008. BEVERLY, Mass. Eastern Nazarene fell 3-2 and 7-0 in TCCC play today. Story to come.

MARCH 27, 2008. MILTON, Mass. The Curry College Colonels (9-1) displayed a dominating effort today as they hit and pitched their way past the Crusaders of Eastern Nazarene College (3-9) by the score of 11-2. The Colonels jumped out to an early lead in game one as they loaded the bases and then doubled home two runs to start the scoring. Two more runs would cross home plate on an errant throw to first, making the score 4-0. The Colonels scored two more in the second and third innings to take a strong lead and then padded it with single runs in the 4^th, 6^th and 7^th innings.

The Crusaders got one back in the 1^st and 3^rd innings to stay in the game, and then threatened in the 4^th as freshman Steve Doyle (Weymouth, Mass.) doubled off the left field fence with a runner on first and no outs. But a pop up, strike out and ground out ended the potential Crusader rally. Solid Curry pitching held the Crusaders to 4 hits, 2 walks and 2 runs.

The Crusaders senior Jarred Wiedenroth (Swampscott, Mass.) would go 1 for 2 with a double and a RBI. Freshman Justin Denbow was credited with the loss as he gave up 6 ER’s in 4 innings of work, striking out 6 and walking 3.

In Game Two the Crusaders jumped out to a 1-0 lead as sophomore lead off hitter Tyler Nicholson (Vancouver, WA) doubled down the left field line and then stole third. Nicholson then crossed home on a RBI sacrifice fly to right field by Dave Dickerson before the inning ended.

The Colonels took the lead in the 2nd inning however as two doubles pushed three Colonel players across the plate. With the Crusaders in a similar position in the bottom half of the second, with the bases loaded, they could not return the favor stranding three men on.

The Colonels added two in the third taking a 5-1 lead, but in the bottom of the fourth the Crusaders drew two back with runners advancing home on a wild pitch and a throwing error over the third baseman’s head on a steal attempt.

The Colonels threatened again in the top of the 5^th with runners on first and third. A Crusader wild pitch sent one home and a single to left field scored the other before the Crusaders could end the inning with the score 7-3 in favor of Curry.

Then in the bottom of the 6th with ENC at the plate and a runner on and a Colonel pitching change occurring, the home plate umpire suddenly stood up straight and declared the game over due to darkness.

Eastern Nazarene faces Colby-Sawyer College on Thursday April 3rd for the continuance of their The Commonwealth Coast Conference season.

Buzzards Bay, Mass. March 26th, 2008. The 8-1 Massachusetts Maritime Buccaneers pushed six across the plate in the first inning on their way to the 19-3 victory over Eastern Nazarene College (3-8) on Wednesday.

Stephen Newman (Valdosta, GA) and Nate Leaser (Solana Beach, CA) were both 2-for-4 for the Crusaders, who collected seven hits off MMA pitching. Junior Jason Tower (Weymouth) took the loss for ENC as the Buccaneers collected 19 hits.

Eastern Nazarene opens their conference play tomorrow vs. Curry College at 2:00 pm in Milton, Mass.

Quincy, MA. July 24th, 2007. Eastern Nazarene College Director of Athletics, Dr. Nancy Detwiler, announces the hiring of Matthew Kutt as the new Head Coach for the Crusader Baseball Program. Coach Kutt, who has a Masters in Education from Azusa Pacific University (Azusa, CA), a BS in Health and Physical Education from Frostburg State University (Frostburg, MD) and an AA in Communications from Palm Beach Community College (West Palm Beach, FL), will also be teaching in ENC’s Movement Arts Department this coming fall. "It is a sincere privilege and honor to be named the next head baseball coach at Eastern Nazarene College,” said Coach Kutt.

Kutt takes over a program that has clocked off over 80 wins in the last four seasons under former head coach Todd Reid. "Coach Reid has done an outstanding job of building the baseball program here over the last 10 years. I am looking forward to continuing the rich baseball tradition that has already been established, with the intent on taking ENC baseball to the next level," said Kutt. ENC has seen a great deal of talent come through the program in recent years, including 2007 graduate Brad Mountain, ENC's all-time leader in pitching. Kutt is optimistic that, “with the solid foundation in place, a core nucleus of players returning, and some new freshmen coming in...the ENC baseball program is still on the cusp of a championship.”

Kutt, a native of West Brookfield, MA., spent four years as a player/assistant coach with the Palm Beach Bulldogs, a semi-pro team of the NBC Premier League in south Florida, before transitioning into coaching and teaching as a full time career. He has assisted with the San Diego Mavericks of the Western Semi-Pro Baseball League, San Diego City College and Amherst College.

As a head coach, Kutt led both Santa Fe Christian School (San Diego, CA) and most recently, Asheville Christian Academy (Asheville, NC), to League Championships and multiple playoff performances.

His approach toward managing student-athletes will not be any different, “My approach is in leading with a servants heart. I hope to bring out the very best in each of these young men, not only for success in baseball, but more importantly for life and their future endeavors."

Coach Kutt will arrive on campus in August in preparation for teaching and starting his term as head coach of the baseball program with the non-traditional fall baseball season. “My family and I feel very blessed to be given this wonderful opportunity. We are looking forward to being a part of the ENC community."

Quincy, MA. July 13th, 2007. The Eastern Nazarene College Director of Athletics, Dr. Nancy Detwiler, announces the resignation of ten year Crusader Coach, Todd Reid. Coach Reid exits to take on the Head Coaching responsibilities of Olivet Nazarene University.

Dr. Detwiler comments, "We are sad to see Coach Reid leave as he has done an excellent job of continuing the development of the Baseball Program at ENC from every standpoint. He is someone who takes pride in his work and faith, and we wish him success in his new position." Continuing, "And at the same time we are confident that God has the right coach to continue leading this program and its' Student-Athlete's."

Reid has led the Crusaders to be perennial contenders for the Commonwealth Coast Championship (CCC) while at ENC. He led the team to three consecutive 20 win seasons in 2004, 2005 and 2006 before narrowly missing his fourth with a 18-14 record in 2007. In 2004, the team went a record breaking 28-12 and Reid was named Coach of the Year in the CCC. Then in 2005, Reid guided ENC to the CCC Championship game for only the second time in school history.

"It is difficult to leave a place where we have had recent success," Reid says. "It is also difficult to leave behind the relationships that have been built over a 10 year period. I am looking forward to forging those types of relationships at Olivet."

The Crusader Athletic Department has begun its search for candidates to fill the Baseball Head Coaching Position, interested applicants should send their resume along with a cover letter to Athletic Director, Dr. Nancy Detwiler at Nancy.Detwiler@enc.edu or call the Athletic Department for more information, (617) 745-3641.

Medford, MA. May 16th, 2007. The New England Intercollegiate Baseball Association announced sophomore catcher Craig Turner (Wrentham, MA) and senior pitcher Brad Mountain (Cape May, NJ) are named to All New England Division III Baseball Teams.

Turner, in his second year, turned in a strong season and was named as the only catcher of the NEIBA All New England Div. III 1st Team in 2007.

He hit .427 at the plate with 9 doubles and a slugging percentage of .573. Behind the plate he kept it clean as he held a .973 fielding percentage.

Southpaw Brad Mountain produced yet another stellar season and was voted to the NEIBA All-NE Div. III 2nd Team.

Besides hitting .331 with 6 doubles, Mountain went 6-2 on the mound with an ERA of 2.88. He would hold opponents to a batting average of .196, and strike out 65 batters over a stretch of 56.1 innings pitched.

Eastern Nazarene pulls up short in 24 hit game, bowing out of CCC Playoffs, 12-9.

Quincy, MA. May 2nd, 2007. The cards were stacked against the Crusaders today so much so that even a second inning grand slam by Brad Mountain was not enough to propel them through the 9 inning game.

After the Leopards jumped out in front 3-0, the Crusaders got one back in the bottom of the first and looked to complete the comeback in the second. The Crusaders got to the Leopard pitcher for a couple hits up the middle and scored two runs leaving two runners on base still. So with two outs and a tough hitting Craig Turner coming to the plate, the Leopard pitcher intentionally walked Turner to avoid further runs scoring and load the bases in hopes of getting a force out to end the inning.

The problem with that strategy was revealed in the next batter. On a 0-1 count, four-hole hitter Brad Mountain sent the next pitch over Bradley Field's right field "Monster" for a grand slam, giving the Crusaders a 7-3 lead.

The Leopards were able to regain their composure as they battled back in the 5th with a 6 run inning of their own. The Crusaders allowed 4 hits and committed 2 errors before it ended with the visiting team leading as the Leopards resumed the lead at 9-7.

The Crusaders battled back an inning later when AJ Turner and Dave Dickerson crossed home plate on a well hit infield ball by Mountain that resulted in a Leopard error and knotting up the game at 9-9.

The Leopards added another run in the 7th and two in the 9th to create a 3-run deficit, enough to finish game securely.

Dickerson is assigned the loss dropping to 4-3 as Justen Smith and Matt Manganelli also had time on the mound today.

Crusaders Craig Turner would go 3 for 3 with a 2 walks, 1 run and 1 RBI to lead the Crusader offense that left 8 runners on base. Box Score

Crusaders split with Seahawks; Game 1 - SRU 11, ENC 2; Game 2 - ENC 8, SRU 4

NEWPORT, R.I. - Senior southpaw Brad Mountain [Cape May, N.J.] pitched a complete-game, seven-hitter, and helped his own cause with two hits and three runs batted in to enable the Crusaders to salvage a split in its Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) baseball doubleheader at Salve Regina University.

In Game One, Seahawk senior hurler Richard Fuller [Danbury, Conn.] scattered seven hits in a complete-game effort to notch his fourth victory of the season by an 11-2 score. The Crusaders reached him for a run in the first, but Salve Regina turned the first of three double plays to curtail the damage.

The Crusaders gave up an 8-run inning which coupled with a tough game at the plate sealed their game 1 fate.

Mountain and his mates built a 5-0 lead in Game Two with four runs coming in the third. Mountain's bases-loaded single was misplayed in centerfield and brought home three runs and left Mountain on third.

The host team scored four runs in its next three at bats to cut the Crusader lead to 8-4, but the failed to get a base runner beyond second in the final two frames.

Dave Dickerson went 3-for-3 in the nightcap with two RBI and two runs scored for the visitors.

Eastern Nazarene (17-11; 10-8 CCC) finishes with a pair at Colby-Sawyer on Saturday.

Eastern Nazarene's combo of pitching and hitting propel Crusaders to 12-4 victory over Beacon's.

Quincy, MA. April 24th, 2007. In a game that had everything, the Crusaders may have made this a little more difficult than it should. Yet still on the arm of Dave Dickerson's 4 hit, 7 strikeout, no walk outing and the combination of six Crusader batters having 2 or more hits in the game surged the Crusaders past the visitors.

Down 2-0 from the first, the Crusaders responded in the second with 4 hits and 2 steals which enabled 3 base runners make it home and give the Crusaders the lead. The Beacons battled back with 1 run in the third and fourth innings but the Crusaders 4 run fifth and 3 run eighth helped put the game out of reach and give them their 16th win of the year.

The Crusaders escaped an 8 error game as they were able to strand 10 Beacon runners on base with the help of pitching and timely fielding.

Craig Turner hit his first dinger of the season for a 2 run homerun over left centerfield fence (into the wind) in the fifth inning.

Crusader's Dickerson goes to 3-2 on the season with the victory and the team to 16-10.

Crusaders face Salve Regina in CCC Doubleheader Wednesday April 25th at 2:00 pm to continue their push for positioning in the CCC Playoffs next week.

Eastern Nazarene's AJ Turner's performances earn him the CCC Player of the Week.

Boston, MA April 23, 2007 - Crusader AJ Turner earned Commonwealth Coast Conference Player of the Week for his outstanding play last week.

In a 4-0 week A.J. Turner batted .571 (8-14) with one double, one home run and 11 stolen bases (including a school record with 6 in one 7 inning game), seven runs scored and 5 RBI's .

Turner was also vital in the field at third base as he had 3 put outs and 6 assists in this 4-0 week. His play at bag #3 ended a tight 2-1 game as he turned a double play by cleanly fielding a hard hit grounder at him, stepping on third for a force out and throwing the batter running to first to give the Crusaders the victory.

Eastern Nazarene turns two to finish game and seal sweep of New England College, 6-1 / 2-1.

Quincy, MA April 21, 2007 - With runners on 1st and 2nd, the Crusaders pitcher Justen Smith held off a 7th inning Pilgrim rally with the help of his defense, as 3rd baseman AJ Turner fielded a ground ball, stepped on third and threw to 1st to end the game.

With the sweep the Crusaders go to 15-10 overall and 9-7 in the CCC and move to the middle of the CCC pack for a playoff birth. The Pilgrims drop to 6-12 overall and 4-6 in the CCC with several games yet to play in hopes to find a way into the postseason.

In game 1, Brad Mountain got his 5th win of the season as he threw 6 strong innings of 2 hit baseball. Mountain allowed a run in the first and then went to complete his 11 strikeout and 3 walk performance while stranding 5 Pilgrim runners.

The Crusaders speed made life difficult for the visitors as the home team compiled 11 stolen bases and chased down would be hits on defense. Lead off hitter AJ Turner went 3 for 4 with 2 RBI's and proceeded to steal 6 bases in the front end of the doubleheader.

In the second game of the doubleheader, the Crusaders scored 1 run in the bottom of the 1st and 2nd innings to go out on top. AJ Turners speed would have its effect on the first run, while Jared Wiedenroth would double, advance to third on a wild pitch and be hit in by Matt Baluch's RBI single.

AJ Turner took another base in game 2 to make it 7 for the day and Matt Baluch went 2 for 2 with a RBI to lead the Crusaders offense.

Smith goes to 3-1 on the year with the win as he struck out 2 and gave up 5 walks and 7 hits.

Crusaders face non-conference opponent U/Mass-Boston on Tuesday April 24th in a 9 inning game, first pitch at 3:30 pm

Eastern Nazarene Sweeps Gordon in CCC action, 9-3 / 13-0; hold Scot's to just eight hits on the day.

WENHAM, Mass., April 20, 2007 - Eastern Nazarene swept the North Shore rivals to the tune of 9-3 and 13-0 this afternoon in Wenham. With the wins, ENC improves to 13-10 on the year and 7-7 in the CCC while the Scots drop to 5-14 and 3-9.

The Crusaders took a 4-0 lead in the top of the first as A.J. Turner, Dave Dickerson, Craig Turner, and Brad Mountain all reached and scored in the inning.

The Crusaders would add one run in each of the next three innings as Dickerson singled and scored in the second, AJ Turner homered in the third, and Anthony Sweede reached on a single and later scored on an error in the third.

ENC starting pitcher Josh Daniels shut the Scots down and the Crusaders tacked on two more in the sixth to give Daniels a comfortable 9-1 lead going into the bottom of the seventh to finish with 9 stirkeouts on the day.

The Scot's pitcher experienced trouble and could not get out of the first inning as he ended up taking the loss.

In the nightcap it was more of the same as the Crusaders continued to swing hot bats and the Scots struggled in the field committing six errors. ENC Tyler Nicholson went 2-for-4 in game two and drove in four runs while left fielder Matt Baluch hit 3-for-4 and drove in a pair.

ENC starter Matt Manganelli went the distance shutting out the Scots on just five hits.

Eastern Nazarene pitcher Brad Mountain earns CCC Pitcher of the Week Honors.

April 16th, 2007. Boston, MA. Senior southpaw Brad Mountain (Cape May, NJ) earns Commonwealth Coast Conference Pitcher of the Week honors. Mountain pitched two complete game shutouts last week totaling 21 strike outs in 14 innings pitched while giving up only 3 walks. He spread out 8 hits over the two games while keeping the clean sheet.

Mountain also batted 12 for 25 (.480) with 4 doubles to help the Crusaders at the plate.

Other Crusader Baseball points of note in week 5 include Sophomore catcher Craig Turner is leading the league in batting hitting .462 with 7 doubles, 12 RBI's, 19 runs scored while taking 4 BB's.

Sophomore pitcher Justen Smith leads the CCC with an ERA of 1.17, per 9 innings pitched, through 23 innings pitched having given up 13 hits, 4 runs and 6 walks while striking out 11.

April 14th, 2007. Quincy, MA-. The Crusaders had solid production from their pitching staff today as they could only muster runs in one inning of the doubleheader.

In the first game, opposing Wentworth pitcher threw a good game only allowing the Crusaders 3 hits, 1 walk and struck out 5.

The second inning saw the visitors do all the damage they needed as they corralled 5 hits and pushed 6 runs across home plate in the rally. That was the only scoring of the game as the visiting Leopards went on to win 6-0.

Crusader Dave Dickerson pitched 5 innings giving up 6 hits, 1 walk and striking out 3 but gets the loss and moves his season record to 2-2. Game 1 Box

In game two of the doubleheader, the two teams reversed fortunes as it was Crusaders Brad Mountain who went the entire game spreading out 6 hits, striking out 8 and walking 1 to get the shut out.

The Crusaders broke the 0-0 tie in the 3^rd inning as they pushed 3 runs across home plate. It started when AJ Turner singled to right, stole 2 bases and then was singled home by Dave Dickerson. Dickerson and Craig Turner would cross home off of Leopard errors to complete the scoring and give the Crusaders the 3-0 lead and eventual victory at that same score.

Mountain (4-1) then settled in and went on to allow 2 hits the rest of the game.

Crusaders Dave Dickerson would go 2 for 3 on the day with a run scored and a RBI.

The Crusaders host non-conference opponent Brandeis University on Wednesday April 18^th, game time 3:30 pm.

Eastern Nazarene splits doubleheader giving Endicott first CCC loss of season. 3-12 / 4-0

April 11th, 2007. Quincy, MA-The Crusaders found themselves in a first inning hole having given up 6 runs in the top of the inning. Though getting 2 back in the bottom half of the inning with a pair of singles and an 2 RBI double by Brad Mountain , they could not come any closer as the Powergulls took the first game of this CCC doubleheader, 12-3.

It may not have worked out so nicely for the visitors though had their defense not made three outstanding plays, two of which ended innings. With the bases loaded in the 4^th and a fly ball to right field and Tyler Nicholson tagging up on third, the right fielder made the catch and perfect throw to the plate to end the inning with a double play. Then in the 5^th and 6^th innings , the centerfielder and again right fielder made diving catches while charging in on Crusader fly-balls to snuff out ENC rallies.

Crusader Brad Mountain had a productive day at the plate going 3 for 4 with 3 RBI’s and Craig Turner went 3 for 4 with a run scored.

In game 2, Crusader hurler Justen Smith took control of the game early in this 2 hit, 1 walk, 3 strike out complete game performance. His off speed and breaking pitches kept the visitors from zeroing in.

The Crusaders responded in the bottom of the 1^st inning as 2 walks and a single loaded the bases for Nicholson’s sacrifice-fly and double by Jared Weidenroth brought in 3 runs before the inning ended. The Crusaders added an insurance run in the 2^nd inning as they loaded the bases for the Powergulls pitcher to walk the runner on third home and make it 4-0, enough for Smith to work to gain the win, improving to 2-1 on the season. Game 2 Box

The Crusaders have a couple days off before they host Wentworth in another CCC doubleheader on Saturday, April 14^th with a 12:30 pm scheduled first pitch.

Eastern Nazarene splits doubleheader with Nichols in frigid temperatures, 8-0 / 3-6.

April 10th, 2007. Quincy, MA-With a slight breeze blowing in from centerfield, the players from both teams did a good job of staying in the heated dugouts today as they battled one another and the elements.

In the first game the Crusaders southpaw Brad Mountain silenced the Bison from the start. After Mountain, now 3-1 on the season, struck out the side in the top of the 1^st, the Crusaders hit through their side of the lineup in the bottom of the inning to take a 5-0 lead. Upon returning to the mound, Mountain would go on to pitch a 2 hit shutout which included 13 strike outs and 2 walks as he stranded four Bison on base.

Crusader lead-off hitter AJ Turner was perfect at the plate as well; going 3 for 3 with a walk, a RBI, 3 stolen bases and 3 runs scored. Game 1 Box

Game two was one of missed opportunities for the Crusaders. It was a case of one step forward and two steps back. Three times the Bison put 2 runs on the board but the Crusaders were only able to respond with one run of their own. The Bison jumped off to a quick 2-0 lead but the Crusaders got back one in the bottom of the inning to make it 2-1. In the 4th and 6th innings the Crusaders were in a good position to finish out the top of the innings having two outs and no Bison scoring threat. But costly play and timely Bison hitting increased the Crusader deficit and proved to be a whole to deep to climb out of.

Crusader pitcher junior Matt Manganelli goes to 2-3 on the season as he pitched all 7 innings giving up 7 hits, 4 BB’s and struck out 4.

Craig Turner went 2 for 3 with a walk, a RBI and a run scored to lead the offensive effort for the Crusaders. Game 2 Box

The Crusaders turn around tomorrow, April 11^th, and face CCC leading Endicott College at home, first pitch at 2:00 pm.

April 9th, 2007. Milton, MA-Behind strong outings from Eastern Nazarene pitching, the Crusader's flew past the Anna Maria AMCats in today's CCC doubleheader.

Dave Dickerson pitched a complete game to lead the Crusaders in game one. Dickerson, now 2-1 on the season, spread out 8 hits over 7 innings as he had 8 K's and 0 BB's. The Crusader bats gave Dickerson all the support he needed as the team pushed five across home plate in the first inning and three in the second inning.

Crusader second baseman Luis Delossantos' (Salem, MA) dove to his left to catch a line drive for the 3rd and final out of game one as the Crusaders won 17-0. Game 1 Box

In the second game, Josh Daniels raised his record to 1-1 as he threw a one hit shut out through 6innings of pitching, striking out 14 and walking 7. It was a repeat of the first game for the Crusader bats as they had runners cross home plate before the first inning was over.

The Crusaders wind up on the mound tomorrow, Tuesday April 10th as they face off against CCC rival Nichol's College, game time 2:00 pm.

The Crusaders Baseball team improved to 8-7, 2-4 in the CCC, today as they resumed their New England schedule of games after being rained out for the past 4 days.

March 31st, 2007. BRISTOL, RI-The Crusaders Baseball team (6-7, 0-4) continues their slow CCC start as they give up leads in late innings.

After taking the lead 4-0, ENC opened the door in the bottom of the fourth inning allowing a single, a stolen base and another single moving the runner to third. A wild pitch brought the runner home and the Hawks gained some momentum to push a few more runs across the plate to tie the game at 4-4 before the end of the inning.

In the sixth, the Crusaders pitcher had difficulty finding the strike zone which led to six more runs crossing the plate for the home side to take a 10-4 lead. The Crusaders would make a last inning rally and score 3 to pull within the same but the deficit was too great to overcome as they went down 10-7. Game 1 Box

In game two, the Crusaders took the lead again 1-0 after the top of the first inning, but the Hawks responded with two runs in the bottom of the inning. The game, though, would be decided in the fourth inning.

The Crusaders plated five runs on five hits and two walks in the top of the fourth to take a 6-3 lead. But again, in the bottom of the inning, the Hawks answered with six runs to gain a 9-6 lead which is where the game ended. Game 2 Box

For ENC, Brad Mountain had four hits and three runs batted in on the day. AJ Turner and Tyler Nicholson had three hits and three runs batted in apiece during the pair of games.

The season has had an unlikely start than previous seasons where the team has hung on through close games and pulled off wins versus opponents. If it is a sign of anything it is that CCC games are getting more and more competitive. The Crusaders have similar talent as in years previous but they will have to focus more intently as they approach every game, inning and pitch.

Senior left-handed hurler, Brad Mountain, jumped off to a fast start this year. His statistics in the first week of the season were so strong that he not only earned the CCC (Commonwealth Coast Conference) Player of the Week but was recognized as the Div. III-East Coast Athletic Conference New England Pitcher of the Week. The ECAC NE Region encapsulates all NCAA Division III conferences in the New England area from Connecticut to Vermont/Maine.

Mountain helped the crusaders to a 5 win, 3 loss start by posting a 2-0 record with one save and a 0.52 earned run average. He struck out 17 batters and allowed just eight hits in 17.1 innings of work. The senior had 13 strikeouts in his season debut, a 7-3 win over Albion.

The Eastern Nazarene College baseball team returned to snowy Boston on Sunday after an eight day trip to Ft. Myers, FL. The Crusaders compiled a 5-3 record against teams from Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania in the Gene Cusic Classic.

The road trip began with a 7-3 win over Albion College (MI), a team who posted 24 wins in 2006. Senior Brad Mountain threw 8 and 1/3 innings, giving up just two hits and striking out 13 while sophomore catcher, Craig Turner paced the offense by going 2-4 with two doubles and 4 RBI.

ENC then began a stretch of 5 games decided by two runs or less, 3 of which went into extra innings. ENC would win 3 of the 5 including two dramatic come from behind victories. After splitting doubleheaders with the University of Scranton and Illinois College, the Crusaders faced off against Carroll College (WI). With ENC behind 3-2 with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, the last inning, sophomore Josh Daniels delivered a pinch-hit double and freshman Tyler Nicholson followed with a double of his own to drive in the tying run. In extra innings, AJ and Craig Turner would deliver back-to-back hits before the Pioneers would intentionally walk Mountain to face sophomore Dave Dickerson. The strategy backfired for the opposition as Dickerson walked, forcing in the winning run.

ENC would split their final two contests, defeating Carroll in the second half of the doubleheader and finally losing to Babson College (MA). The Crusaders starting pitching was the highlight of the trip with 4 wins, 4 complete games, and a team E.R.A. of 3.46. ENC hopes to resume their season at home as soon as weather permits. Statistics

The Crusaders are coming off back-to back-to-back 20 win seasons. In 2006, after a 2-7 start, ENC finished the season winning 18 of their last 30 and came within one game of the Commonwealth Coast Conference Championship. In 2007, ENC will again rely on pitching, defense, and team speed to compete in the New England region.

On the mound, two-time all-region pitcher, Brad Mountain returns for his senior season after received some attention from major league scouts in 2006. Mountain wrapped up his junior campaign with a nine inning complete game victory over eventual champion, Endicott College in the CCC playoffs and went on to pitch for the Jersey Pilots of the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League over the summer. Behind him will be sophomore Justen Smith who won 6 games for the Crusaders as a freshman and was named honorable mention all-conference. Junior Matt Manganelli returns after appearing as a starter and late inning reliever in ’06 and sophomores Dave Dickerson and Josh Daniels are back after starting 13 games combined. The remainder of the innings will be taken up by sophomore Jason Tower and freshmen Tyler Nicholson and Tom Jordon.

On defense, another all region performer will anchor the infield. A.J. Turner returns as a fifth year senior to the delight of Crusader baseball fans. “Our two seniors have been a part of 68 wins already and are ready to lead us to another great year” said head coach Todd Reid. First team all-conference shortstop Graham Crain was lost to graduation and leaves big shoes to fill. Trying to do so will be juniors Jared Wiedenroth and Anthony Swede, sophomores Craig Dix and Steve Pirrotta, and freshman Luis Delossantos. In the outfield, the loss of ENC’s career hits (150) and RBI (100) leader Matt Watson will force the immediate playing time of freshmen Tyler Nicholson and Matt Quint to compliment Junior Matt Baluch in the outfield. Freshman Dan Van Heest will backup Craig Turner behind the plate and several pitchers will play both ways to round out the squad.

Team speed has become a trademark of the Crusader baseball program in recent years. Last season, the Crusaders finished as one of the top five schools in NCAA Division III in stolen bases for the second time in three years. With 132 thefts in 2006, ENC finished first in the New England Region and 4^th in Nation. In ’07, the Crusaders will again use speed to put pressure on the opposition and move runners around the bases.

Head Coach Todd Reid returns for his tenth season at the helm and will be joined by 9^th year assistant coach Jeremy Anderson. The two have combined for 104 wins in their eight seasons together. First year assistant Leif Jansson graduated in ’06 after an outstanding playing career. Jansson was four-year starter who will be missed on the field, but joins the staff hoping to help out the Crusaders from the dugout.

ENC will open up its season in Ft. Myers, FL. vs. Albion College on Saturday, March 10. The home opener is slated for Saturday, March 24 vs. Anna Maria College.

May 22nd, 2006. Medford, MA. Crusaders 3rd Baseman, A.J. Turner, selected on 2006 D-III 3rd Team All-NEIBA.

Consistently performing at a high level, junior 3rd baseman AJ Turner (Wrentham, MA) was selected to join the New England Intercollegiate Baseball Association 3rd Team this year. Turner is recognized as one of fifty-three players from the New England Region and one of the top three players at his position and behind the plate. Congratulations AJ.

May 8^th, 2006. Quincy, MA. Crusaders stick six on CCC All-Conference Teams.

Following Eastern Nazarene’s third consecutive 20 win season, the Commonwealth Coast Conference coaches voted six Crusades to the conferences three “All-Conference” teams, First, Second and Honorable Mention.

Leading the vote getting for all infielders were Crusaders SS Graham Crain (Hamilton, OH) and 3^rd baseman AJ Turner (Wrentham, MA) who earn 1^st Team All-Conference selections. Crain hit .331 with 10 doubles, 4 homeruns, 21 RBI’s, scoring 42 runs, 22 walks, stole 27 bases and had a slugging percentage of .508 while having a fielding percentage of .950.

Turner batted an incredible .378 with 9 doubles, 19 RBI’s, 36 runs scored, 12 walks, 36 stolen bases and had a slugging percentage of .444 and FLD % of .910.

Also making CCC 1^st Team All-Conference honors was JR P Brad Mountain (Cape May, NJ). Mountain receives a CCC All-Conference 1^st Team Honor for the third straight year. This year Brad pitched a no-hitter along with five other complete games to finish 6-3 for the season. With 75.2 innings thrown, he struck out 80 batters and had an ERA of 2.14 holding opponents to a .187 batting average.

Earning CCC 2^nd Team All-Conference Honors was FR C Craig Turner (Wrentham, MA) and SR CF Matt Watson (Pepperell, MA). C. Turner caught 36 games behind the plate for the Crusaders hitting .336 with 13 doubles, 5 HR’s, 39 RBI’s, 17 walks, scoring 22 runs and had a slugging percentage of .555 and FLD % of .980.

Watson in the meantime hit .320 behind the plate with 5 doubles, 2 triples, 36 RBI’s, 17 walks, 15 stolen bases, scoring 25 runs with a .970 FLD % having committed only 2 errors the entire season.

The sixth Crusader to earn honors is FR P Justen Smith (Jefferson, MD) as he threw his way onto the CCC Honorable Mention All-Conference Team. Smith went 6-3 through 11 appearances as he started 7 games. His ERA stands at 3.36 and struck out 31 batters in 56.1 innings of throwing while holding opponents to a .274 batting average.

The Eastern Nazarene College Baseball team notched it’s third consecutive 20-win season and went deep into the Commonwealth Coast Conference Baseball tournament, bowing out in the second of two semi-final games. ENC finished in 3^rd place among 11 conference schools with a regular season record of 13-7. Then after dropping their opening round game in this double elimination playoff series, the Crusaders won 3 straight in the playoffs including a 6-1 victory over eventual champions, Endicott College.

It wasn’t easy for the ENC nine in 2006 as the Crusaders had to overcome a tough start. The team suffered through a 2-7 road-trip to start the season. After freshman pitchers Dave Dickerson and Justen Smith picked up two early wins, ENC lost 6 straight and left Ft. Myers, FL to begin conference play in New England.

The Crusaders were looking for a spark and got one when Junior Brad Mountain took the mound against Mass. Maritime Academy. Mountain faced the minimum batters and recorded a no-hitter (the first in school history) with 19 strikeouts. Mountain would also become the career leader in wins with a 21-5 career record by seasons end.

ENC would then avenge last year’s championship game loss with a sweep of Salve Regina University at Bradley field. The wins put ENC in position to finish at the top of the conference. The Crusaders also handed perennial powerhouse, Suffolk University (ranked 21^st in the nation in 2006), a 9-8 loss as the Crusaders lineup came to life in the second half of the season.

After winning 3 straight over conference rivals, Gordon and Nichols, ENC headed to the playoffs for the third straight year, sending Nichols and Colby-Sawyer packing in the elimination round of the tournament. At Endicott College in the semi-finals, Mountain threw a 4-hit complete game and ENC’s offense pounded out 12 hits and stole 5 bases to force a second game. In game two, the Crusaders would face Matt Bishop, a 32^nd round pick by the Houston Astros in the 2005 MLB draft who returned to school for his senior year. ENC showed no fear, scoring first and racking up 7 hits and 5 walks on Bishop through over 8 innings. It wouldn’t be enough, however, as a tired Crusader pitching staff gave up the lead in the third and the Power Gulls pulled away. ENC would get the tying run to the on-deck circle in the 9^th, but, fall 10-6 to the eventual CCC Champs.

The season produced several record-breaking performances including 6 players being named to the all-conference team. Matt Watson headed the list and eclipsed two Crusader greats as he broke ENC’s career hits record with 150 (Scott Madden, 135) and RBI mark with 101 (Jeremy Anderson, 93). Graham Crain was named ENC Athlete of the Year and along with A.J. Turner were the top two vote getters among CCC infielders. Two freshmen capped the list including Smith, who tallied 6 victories and Catcher Craig Turner, who hit 5 homers and led the conference with 39 RBI.

With an overall record of 20-19 and wins over Endicott, Salve, and Suffolk, the Crusaders will await a possible at-large berth in the ECAC baseball Championships. The Crusaders hosted the tournament in 2004 after posting a 28-win season.

EASTERN NAZARENE COLLEGE				DIVISION III ATHLETICS
About ENC	Undergraduate	Graduate	Academics	ENC Student	Athletics	News	Alumni

EASTERN NAZARENE COLLEGE

DIVISION III ATHLETICS

Baseball

Eastern Nazarene College, 23 East Elm Avenue, Quincy, Massachusetts 02170 1-617-745-3000 | 1-800-88-ENC-88

Eastern Nazarene College, 23 East Elm Avenue, Quincy, Massachusetts 02170
1-617-745-3000 | 1-800-88-ENC-88