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Runs were hard to come by Monday afternoon at Mead Park, and the Rams just couldnt put together enough to beat Trumbull. The 2-1 loss to the Eagles means New Canaan must win out its schedule to make the state tournament.
You guys couldnt make it easy on me, New Canaan head coach Mitch Hoffman said to his team after the game, referring to the Rams must-win situation. Its going to be a great test for us. Still, he liked most of what he saw from his boys Monday, especially their pitching and defense. This is the kind of baseball Id like to see them play all year," he said.
The brightest star for New Canaan was starting pitcher Andrew Tropeano, who pitched six and a third innings of brilliant baseball. He kept the Rams in contention, giving up only two runs and striking out batters in key situations, particularly two back-to-back with runners on in the sixth. Still, Trumbull managed to pick up a pair of timely RBI singles to eke out a win.
All three runs came in clutch situations in the middle of the game. Trumbull broke the scoreless tie in the top of the fourth, when Mike Beers ripped a single to the gap in right-center, scoring Johnny Petts. But New Canaan answered in the bottom of the inning. Cameron Armstrong doubled to right center to lead off, and came home on a grounder two batters later by Peter Gronseth to notch the equalizer.
However, the Eagles answered right back in the top of the fifth. Frank Piazza got on base on a rare walk from Tropeano, and moved up to third on a stolen base and a wild pitch. Jeff John drove him home for the go-ahead run with a single to left field. The Rams threatened in the bottom of the fifth, but Petts grabbed a sharp line drive at shortstop, ending the inning with a double play.
With the loss, the Rams are now 6-12 (4-12 FCIAC). They need wins Tuesday afternoon at Bassick and against Danbury Wednesday in Mead Park to qualify for the state tournament.
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