After taking its first series at The Ballpark at St. John’s, the Red Storm split its weekend series versus Big East rivals Virginia Tech and Georgetown.
The Red Storm started the series against Big East neophyte Virginia Tech by taking a 2-1 decision. The Red Storm received strong pitching from Geno Orsogna, who threw a complete game, giving up only three hits and one earned run. Orsogna walked five and struck out four.
His effort pleased Head Coach Ed Blankmeyer. “He pitched well, had a three hitter, and bouts of wildness. He kept them in check, kept them from scoring runs. He gave us a chance to win.”
As well as Orsogna pitched in the first game, the entire staff imploded in the second game, a 19-6 loss. Tom Klemm took the loss, only going a third of an inning, and giving up six runs on five hits.
But Klemm was hardly blameless. After Klemm left the game, relievers Joe Wilson and Rich LaSasso gave up a combined 12 hits, 11 runs, eight of which were earned.
Blankmeyer was not happy with the performance. “The young kids didn’t perform well. I gave the young kids a chance and they got whacked around a bit,” he said.
In the back end of the double-header, St. John’s split against Georgetown. The first game was a 3-1 loss. Ace Marc Goldberg, who was the hard-luck loser, pitched superbly, striking out seven while going the distance.
In Goldberg’s four starts he has a record of 1-3 with a sparkling 2.27 ERA. Blankmeyer said his team will eventually give Goldberg run support. “We haven’t given him run support. He can’t do anymore than he can. We got to get him some more runs.”
The Red Storm finished the weekend by taking a 7-3 decision over the Hoyas. Joe Reid got the win, going seven innings, striking out six, and giving up three runs. Tom Klemm, who was pounded against Virginia Tech, threw two shutout innings for the save.
St. John’s squares off against the Iona Gaels today and C.W. Post on Thursday at 3 p.m. Both games will be at The Ballpark.