Barletta, Coombs, and Rockenbach Earn Weekly CACC Baseball Honors
New Haven, Conn. - (3/15/2021) – On Sunday, March 14, Gannon University scored five runs in their first three at-bats, to overshadow Chestnut Hill College’s two-run first inning, 5-2, and a two-out, two-run single from junior centerfielder John Contoudis (Jenkintown, Pa.) in the third inning, 5-3. Fortunately, the Griffins recovered with a 10-run fifth inning that included the 150th collegiate career for senior left fielder Ameir Uzzell (Levittown, Pa.) and a back-breaking grand slam from junior catcher Sam Barletta (Royersford, Pa.). The four-run bomb was the icing on the cake for Barletta, who was named the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Player of the Week. Meanwhile, freshman outfielder Anthony Coombs (Bridgeton, N.J.) and sophomore pitcher Dan Rockenbach (Holland, Pa.) respectively garnered the CACC Rookie of the Week award and a weekly Honor Roll mention for their efforts in the Griffins’ 3-2 start opposite #18 East Stroudsburg University (ESU), #10 Millersville University, and Gannon University.
Chestnut Hill College (3-2) opened their 2021 schedule with a highly competitive week of play against the Spartans, Marauders, and Golden Knights. Barletta finished the five-game set batting .500 (8-for-16) with eight runs scored and four runs-batted-in (RBI) on the strength of four doubles and his four-run, four-bagger against Gannon University. He also drew five walks and stole four bases (4-for-4, 1.000).
Rockenbach recorded the win in the 15-6 triumph over the Golden Falcons as he allowed one run on two hits, while striking out one in his four innings of relief work. The victory was his second of the week - and his collegiate career – as he also recorded the victory in the Griffins’ 7-6 rubber-game win over ESU. Rockenbach made three appearances in all, limiting the Scarlet and Gold’s opponents to two runs on three hits and four walks. He struck out two during his five innings on the mound.
Coombs started his collegiate career with a .462 (6-for-13) opening week as he recorded at least a hit in each of his first five games. Coombs knocked in a run during the Griffins’ seventh-inning rally against the Spartans on March 10 (W, 7-6) and scored a run during the Scarlet and Gold’s 10-run, fifth-inning rally against the Golden Knights on March 14 (W, 15-9).
Chestnut Hill College continues their opening non-conference stretch on Wednesday, March 17, when they visit Kutztown University for a 3:00 p.m. contest.
