Walpole's Lavanchy's Bat Continues to Deliver for Wheaton College

Former Walpole High standout Matt Lavanchy singeld and scored on an error as the Wheaton College baseball team, ranked No. 14 overall in the latest D3baseball.com national poll, posted a 2-1 victory over UMass Boston on “Senior Day” at Sidell Stadium in non-conference action Tuesday afternoon.

In the first inning, the Lyons got all the runs they would need. Lavanchy, a freshman, and Eric Jensen singled. Sean Ryan moved them over with a sacrifice bunt. Apolinar De la Cruz reached on an error, allowing both runs to score. 

Lavanchy has appeared in 37 games in the infield for the Lyons this season, batting .348 with six doubles and six triples. He has a homer and 25 RBI.

Prior to the game, seniors Justin Connor (Arlington), Ryan (Norton), Dan Gusovsky (Andover), Jensen (Gorham, N.H.), Paul O’Neill (Framingham,), Frank Holbrook (Middletown, R.I.) and Corey Laliberte (Fall River) were all honored for their contributions towards the baseball program.

Junior right-hander Nick Filloramo improved his record to 5-3 overall on the season yielding three hits and zero walks over five shutout innings to go along with three strikeouts. Laliberte fanned one batter over two scoreless frames and junior closer Ryan Grant (Easton) collected his 10th save, allowing one hit in the ninth.

Wheaton (28-10) will host the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Tournament championship round on Saturday, May 4 at Sidell Stadium needing just one win to claim its 13th conference title in the league's 15-year history. The Lyons will play the winner of second-seeded MIT and third-seeded Babson College at 3:30 p.m. The Engineers and the Beavers will square off at noon.