Balkwill Enjoying Strong Spring With Saints

Although the baseball season has not started locally, college players from across Chatham-Kent, including Larry Balkwill of the Siena Saints are in the heart of their season.

Balkwill, a Junior at Siena, hat four hits including a two-run home run last week as the Siena Saints swept Ivy League opponent Brown University. In a weekend series against Iona, Balkwill collected a hit in each game.

Tuesday, the Siena team was crushed 14-1 by Army, with Balkwill going 1-for-3 in the game.

Playing in 29 games already this season, Balkwill, a UCC Lancers alumni, is carrying a .247 batting average, up from .233 last season.

Balkwill’s stats this season include 3 home runs and 14 RBIs. Balkwill has split time this season catching behind the plate, as well as serving as the team’s designated hitter.

Despite Balkwill’s improved play, his Siena Saints sit at the bottom of the NCAA’s MAAC standings with a 2-4 record in conference play, and a 9-23 record overall.

Siena picked up a 7-1 win over NYIT Wednesday, however Balkwill did not bat.