NAUGATUCK — Naugatuck split a pair of games last week as the Greyhounds seek to build their confidence on the diamond.
Naugatuck fell to Wolcott, 7-3, April 15. But the score doesn’t tell the full story.
“We shot ourselves in the foot early. They got off to a good start and we got behind the eight ball,” head coach Tom Deller said.
Wolcott scored four runs in the top of the first inning, but Naugatuck out hit the Eagles 10-8 for the game.
“If you took away the top of the first we played a really even game,” Deller said.
Spencer Dreher had two hits, including a two-run home run in the bottom of the first inning to help keep the Greyhounds in it. The Eagles pulled away for the victory, despite Evan Pelliccia adding two doubles and a single for Naugy.
Tom Manzolli earned the win for Wolcott, striking out six in a complete-game effort.
Two days later the Greyhounds shutout winless Crosby, 6-0, to get back on track.
“We don’t take anybody lightly. We are not in a position to look ahead,” Deller said.
The Greyhounds (2-3) showed the focus their coach requires of them against the Bulldogs. Pelliccia struck out six batters in as many innings while Joe Kwaak and Colin Leary slapped two RBI singles to propel Naugatuck to its second win of the season.
Dreher closed the game out with two strikeouts in the final inning.
“This time of year we are more concerned with pitch count because of the weather. Otherwise, Evan could have finished the game,” Deller said.
Second baseman and sophomore Steve Marinaro had a double versus Crosby to bring his batting average to a robust .412 through five games. Deller said that Marinaro has been a pleasant addition to the Naugatuck infield. The second base position was up for grabs before the season started and Marinaro has filled that void for the senior-heavy squad.
The Greyhounds are looking to build on the momentum they gained in the Crosby victory.
Naugatuck’s game versus Holy Cross Wednesday was suspended in the fourth inning due to rain. The Greyhounds will hit the road Thursday to face Oxford and Friday to play Seymour. Naugatuck will be back in the borough on Monday to host St. Paul.
Deller said the talent is evident on his team. But, he added, the Greyhounds need confidence to bring it all together.
“We have four kids batting over .400. We are a good team. We just need some confidence,” Deller said.
