Schwartzman Saves Denver in Key MLL Game

Jesse Schwartzman has turned in big performances in key lacrosse games throughout his career. The former Pikesville High School star did it again on Saturday.

Schwartzman now plays for the Denver Outlaws of Major League Lacrosse and made 7 of his 18 saves in the fourth quarter as his team edged the Chesapeake Bayhawks, 15-13, on Saturday night at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis.

That game was the regular season finale for both teams and let Denver (11-3) take the No. 1 seed heading into the four-team MLL playoffs. This victory helped the Outlaws edge Chesapeake (10-4) for that top spot. 

Schwartzman was a big reason why.

The Bayhawks were hot early, taking a 7-2 lead in the first quarter. But Schwartzman made five saves in the period or Chesapeake could have run away with the game early. 

After that, however, Schwartzman helped the Denver defense clamp down. They outscored Chesapeake, 13-6, from that point on, not even allowing another goal until the third quarter. 

Schwartzman has been known for coming up big in crucial games and being tough to beat once he gets hot. Chesapeake coach Dave Cottle said last week that his team knew Schwartzman was streaky, and they were concerned.

Schwartzman played well in big games while helping Johns Hopkins win two national titles during his college days, and his play in the fourth quarter of this contest sparked Denver.

The game was tied at 12 heading into the final quarter, and Denver outscored Chesapeake, 3-1 in the period. Schwartzman made those seven saves and also got an assist on a short-handed goal which gave Denver a 14-12 lead. 

The playoffs start on Aug. 25 at Harvard.