By Christopher Shaban
Staff Writer
WINDSOR, Vt. — Ryan Connelly grabbed an opening day complete game win as the Yellow Jackets pounded Rutland on Tuesday.
The Yellow Jackets got things moving in the first inning as an error scored one run for the Jacks. Rutland tied things up in the top of the second inning but Windsor responded in a big way in their half of the inning. Ethan Lawyer grounded out, scoring one run, Dalton Clifford grounded out, scoring two runs, and Johnny Clark singled on a 2-2 count, scoring one run. Windsor notched five runs in the fourth inning to grab a 5-1 lead. The rally was led by walks by Lawyer and Charles Palmer and singles by Ethan Belvin and Clark.
Windsor would push across four more runs in the fourth inning as smart aggressive base running kept the Raiders on their heals. Belvin’s single pushed across Lawyer as the Jacks were in control.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect and I was a little nervous,” said Windsor head coach Jamie Richardson. “We haven’t played in two years but I couldn’t be more proud of the way we attacked the plate today.”
Connelly allowed six hits and two runs over five innings, striking out two and walking one. With his elbow and shoulder wrapped in ice after the game, Connelly said,
“Today was a team effort,” said Connelly after the game with his elbow and shoulder wrapped. “The defense made some solid plays and we had some clutch hits today.”
Connelly threw 68 pitched in the game.
Stannard took the loss for Rutland. Clark led the Yellow Jackets with two hits in three at bats while Fortin scored three times for the Jacks.
Tyler Weatherhogg went 2-for-2 to lead Rutland at the plate.
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