Ernie Clement (Virginia) swings.
Division I teams began their seasons on Friday, and a number of former Dutchmen excelled in the opening weekend of the season. Coupled with solid performances from players that had already started play, it was a great weekend for players that have worn the Dutchmen uniform.
Ernie Clement, Virginia- A member of the 2014 Dutchmen and the 2015 College World Series All-Tournament Team, Clement led the defending national champions with eight hits in the opening weekend. The second baseman drove in three runs and scored four, hitting .533 over three games. Clement went 3-for-5 with two runs scored and two RBIs in a season-opening win over Kent State, and went 3-for-4 in Sunday's loss to Coastal Carolina.
Tyler Orris, Millersville- Orris led the Marauders to an explosive weekend, as Millersville scored 50 runs over a three game span. At the top of the lineup, the 2013 Albany infielder scored nine runs and recorded a .500 batting average. In the first game of the weekend against Pitt-Johnstown, the shortstop went 4-for-7 with three doubles, scoring four times and driving in two runs. Orris has helped Millersville to a 6-1 record to open the year.
Dylan Collett, Saint Leo- A pitcher for the 2013 Dutchmen, Collett tossed six shutout innings in a 14-0 victory for Saint Leo over Albany State on Saturday. Collett struck out six hitters, scattering six hits during his outing, his first win of the campaign. To start the season, the junior lefty has recorded a 2.95 ERA.
Zach Remillard, Coastal Carolina- The three-time PGCBL All-Star drove in five runs in three weekend games, which included a victory over defending national champion Virginia. Remillard's best game came on Saturday, as the Cohoes native drilled a pair of home runs in a 13-10 loss to NC State. Remillard also scored five runs in the first three games of the season, hitting safely five times in 13 at bats.
Zak Spivy, Polk State College- Spivy, who is returning to Albany in 2016, earned his first victory of the season with a six inning effort on Wednesday. The righty from Naples, Florida allowed two earned runs on seven hits, striking out five in an 11-3 victory over Saint John's River State College.
Nick Jewett, Trinity University- The powerful first baseman from the 2014 Dutchmen hit his first home run of the season on Saturday as part of a series sweep over Texas-Dallas. Over four games this past week, Jewett went 6-for-13 with four runs scored, including a 2-for-3 outing in the series opener against Texas-Dallas. Through seven games, Jewett has hit .360 with four RBIs and six runs scored.
Jon Reid, Azusa Pacific- The lefty was outstanding on Thursday, striking out ten hitters in seven innings in a 3-2 Azusa Pacific victory. Reid, who pitched for the Dutchmen in 2015, allowed one earned run on five hits, and walked just one over his seven innings. Despite a no decision, Reid has been tremendous for the Cougars through three starts, striking out 20 hitters over 18 innings and posting a 2.50 ERA.
Dave Vaccaro, Saint Bonaventure- In his first series with Saint Bonaventure, Vaccaro scored four runs and drove in another two as the Bonnies recorded a series victory over Savannah State. The 2014 Dutchmen infielder hit safely in three of the four games, all Bonnie victories. Vaccaro also drew five walks and stole a base in the series victory.
Grayson Lewis, Rice- Lewis hit his first career home run on Sunday, a solo shot that tied the series finale against Arizona, a game Rice would win 4-3. Hitting in the leadoff position, the 2015 Albany leadoff hitter recorded four hits in eleven at bats, including two hits on Sunday. Lewis' four hits against the Wildcats led the Owls in the weekend series.
Drew Tolson, Baylor- Tolson was the 2014 Dutchmen Pitcher of the Year, and started the second game of the season for the Bears. In five innings, Tolson struck out eight hitters and walked just one. Despite not being involved in the decision, Tolson's Bears rallied for a 9-5 victory over Washington.
