Pointers lose a tough one in 10 over at Elliot Ballpark

Storrs — UConn Avery Point thoroughly enjoyed playing for the first time at Elliot Ballpark on Tuesday.

So much so that the Pointers extended their game against Northern Essex Community College to extra innings.

Guess they wanted their experience of competing at the gem of a new home of the Huskies to last as long as they could.

Bryce Mileski and the Pointers drew inspiration from the atmosphere and played one of their best games of a season that has had COVID-19 related disruptions and featured an abbreviated schedule.

It made losing 4-3 in 10 innings a bit more tolerable.

"It was an amazing experience," said Mileski, a Griswold grad and the starting pitcher. "It was even better that we played a great game. It was a fun game to be part of. It was the most fun I've had on the best field in a long time. It just adds to the fact that it was here at a beautiful ballpark.

"It's hard not to get up for a game here, especially against a good team."

Mileski pitched a terrific game, allowing five hits and two runs — one earned — while going seven solid innings. He struck out four and walked

just one.

Too bad the Pointers managed just three hits against three NECC pitchers. While they didn't fully take advantage of their scoring opportunities, they did score a run in the ninth inning to tie the game. Javon Hernandez reached on a hit-by-pitch, stole second, advanced to third on a groundout and scored on a wild pitch.

The celebration was short-lived as Kameron Levesque's two-out RBI single put NECC ahead 4-3 in the top of the 10th and reliever Dallas Vaughn retired the side in order to finish off the Pointers. Levesque also hit a solo home run.

Still, Avery Point's strong performance against a team that had already beaten it twice this season was a good sign.

"I was pretty happy," Avery Point coach Ian Ratchford said. "We had a lot of guys contribute and step up. Tremendous opportunity to get to play on such a beautiful ball field here. We played well. We still have some things to improve on."

Avery Point (2-7) was playing just its ninth game while NECC (17-8) had far more. The Pointers have yet to really establish a nice rhythm. Dominic Morabito of Norwich, Chris Oliwa and Jaden Fowler accounted for the team's three hits.

With three regular games left, the Pointers hope to build some momentum to take into the postseason.

"We had a little pause with COVID so it disrupted the pitching a little bit," Ratchford said. "But I think we're starting to hit our stride. Almost there, but we haven't quite played a complete game yet. We definitely have shown signs that we can do it."

Ratchford, who's in his second season as head coach, is dealing with the challenging task of trying to rebuild the program during a pandemic. The Pointers played only five games last season before it ended and have been limited this season.

"We have lost a couple guys recruiting-wise this year because of the uncertainty of the season," Ratchford said. "It's been an interesting year, to say the least. When I took over, I thought year two would be a little bit different than it looks, but you've got to play the cards that you're dealt.”