Morrissey Leads the Way in an Emotional Win

With the tragic passing of his brother last week, it would be understandable for Nick Morrissey to take some time off away from the game.

Instead, he took the mound on Saturday morning in a baseball game against Howell and went six innings in picking up the win.

Although it was not the pitchers' duel many expected, Morrissey secured the crucial outs he needed in the Purple Roses' 8-6 win.

"I can't even put it into words," said St. Rose head coach Jerry Frulio before taking a long pause. "I don't think I ever respected an effort as much as I did today. He pitched his tail off."

Facing Howell ace Dan Watson, the Roses scored in every inning they faced him, except one, something incredible as the pitcher had not surrendered a run in his 13 prior innings to start the year.

But it was Morrissey who the hero.

After allowing a four run first inning, Morrissey allowed only two more runs to score the rest of the game, striking out nine. His biggest out came in the bottom of the sixth striking out a Howell batter to get out of a jam with runners on first and second. Following the strikeout, the Roses grabbed the lead in the top of the seventh.

With one out in the top of the seventh, outfielder Steve Frost tripled. After Howell's Jordan Whalen struck out the next batter, Kevin Case hit a RBI double that brought home the go ahead run. Case scored on an error. Holding an 8-6 lead, Frulio turned to Chris Napolitano who pitched the seventh inning, striking out two to pick up the save.

"Seeing Nick go out there and battle, it certainly uplifts the team," said Frulio. "We fight for each other.  I told the boys we had to do everything we could to get a victory for him and everything he's gone through."

The bats for St. Rose got going early.

In the first inning, Case led off the game with a hit. Following two strike outs, Chris Napolitano, Brad Currao, and Sean Stewart combined for three hits in a row to make the score 2-0.

Case did his job setting the table, reaching base all five times. He went 2-for-2, with two walks, and getting hit by a pitch. He scored two runs and drove in the winning run as well. Frost finished 2-for-4 with an RBI and the game winning run. Centerfielder Sean Stewart was 3-for-4 with two RBIs.

St. Rose is back in action on Monday at 3:45 at Mater Dei, before traveling to Keansburg on Wednesday  at 3:45.