UConn Defeats Butler for First Win of Season

Boxscore(.pdf)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --- Sophomore pitcher Josh MacDonald scattered eight hits over seven and two-thirds innings as the University of Connecticut baseball team defeated Butler on Monday afternoon by a 9-4 score at the Kennel Club Classic.

The win is the first in the career of rookie UConn coach Jim Penders as the Huskies are 1-5 overall. Butler falls to 3-5 on the season.

MacDonald missed all of last year with arm surgery and was making his first start since 2001. He walked four and struck out two in the outing.

UConn led 4-3 and broke the game open in the seventh inning with a three-run rally highlighted by a  two-run double by Russ D’Argento. D’Argetno was 2 for 5 on the day with two RBI and a pair of stolen bases.

Tony Mallazzi went 3 for 5 to lead the Huskies with two runs scored while Jeff Hourigan and Kyle Messineo also added two hits for UConn.

UConn returns to action on Tuesday against Jacksonville at 3:30 p.m.