Walk-on Gagne earns fifth win
By BRIAN TRAVERS
Sports Writer
Notre Dame pitchers Aaron Heilman and J.P. Gagne posted strong wins as the Irish took two out of three games from Big East opponent Boston College this weekend at Eck Stadium.
Gagne, a freshman walk-on, scattered six hits and struck out three on Saturday to earn his fifth win while Irish batters pumped out 16 hits as Notre Dame defeated BC 12-1.
The Irish offense was led by sophomore designated hitter Ken Meyer with a 3-for-3 game that included two doubles, three runs, and a RBI. Sophomore center Steve Stanley added 3 hits, and shortstop Alec Porzel extended his hitting streak to 13 games.
Gagne (5-0) pitched six strong innings to remain unbeaten and become the first Irish pitcher to start 5-0 since 1996, and the first freshman to do so since 1990. Lefthander Mike Naumann earned his first career save, allowing only four baserunners in the final three innings.
Boston College could not take advantage of its opportunities Saturday, managing only one run on ten hits. Eagles' batters hit into two double plays, and stranded 14 runners in the game, while senior leftie Brendan Nolan (1-4) allowed eight runs in four innings to take the loss.
Heilman, a Notre Dame junior, tossed a complete game Sunday to win the opener of yesterday's doubleheader 10-6 while B.C. senior righthander Steve Langone shut down the Irish in game two as the Eagles won 11-1.
Heilman (6-1) threw his Big East leading fifth complete game of the season as he scattered eight hits and struck out five in the opener. Junior righthander Erik Olson took the loss for the Eagles, allowing four runs on five hits and six walks in the first four innings.
The Irish offense was led by senior first baseman Jeff Felker who went 3-for-4 from the plate with a home run and three RBIs, and DH Paul O'Toole who connected on his sixth home run in his last ten games at Eck Stadium.
In the nightcap, Eagles pitcher Steve Langone shut down the Irish bats, and the Boston College offense banged out 17 hits as the Eagles defeated Notre Dame 11-1.
Senior rightie Scott Cavey struggled in his second straight Big East start for the Irish, allowing seven runs on 11 hits over 5 1/3 innings. Only four of the runs were earned, however, and many of the 11 hits were not hard hit balls.
"Cavey did not pitch as poorly as the numbers suggest," head coach Paul Mainieri stressed after the game. "Some of the hits they had, they couldn't have placed in better spots."
On the other side, Langone (4-2) pitched brilliantly, allowing only one unearned run off nine hits in his fifth complete game of the year. The Eagles' offense was led by second baseman Mike Gambino with a 4-for-4 performance that included three runs and three RBIs to finish the weekend series 8-for-12 and extend his hitting streak to twenty games.
Porzel, a junior shortstop, collected singles in each game to extend his career long hitting streak to 14 games.
Notre Dame now looks ahead to midweek home games against Purdue, Bowling Green, and Toledo, where the team will look to gain some important non-conference wins, and add some depth to the pitching staff.
"These midweek games go a long way toward an at large berth in the NCAA tournament," Mainieri said, "And are important for improving the depth of our staff."
Freshman Matt Laird will get the start on Tuesday as the Irish take on the Purdue Boilermakers at 6:05 p.m. in Eck Stadium.
All Sports Stories for Monday, April 10, 2000
