UPDATE - August 22nd/10:30pm
Chris Pennell picked up a no decision in the Rockland Boulders 8-7 come-from-behind victory over the Sussex County Miners. Pennell pitched 3 2/3 innings (68 pitches), surrendering only two hits, walking two and striking out three.
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St. Thomas Aquinas College Baseball Alum Chris Pennell was signed on Wednesday by the Rockland Boulders of the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball (Can-Am League).
The Boulders were searching for an additional arm that could be an immediate contributor and a steady presence as on the mound, as Rockland continues their playoff push and Pennell, the Mamaroneck, NY native, was asked to fill that role beginning Wednesday evening at Skylands Stadium against the Sussex County Miners by taking the mound for his first professional start.
In the eight year history of the Boulders, Pennell becomes the fifth former St. Thomas Aquinas College Baseball player to play for Rockland. Chris joins current Boulder pitcher Frank Moscatiello (2018), and former players Matt Kostalos (2016-2018), Nick May (2015) and John Muller (2011) to wear the red, white and blue.
Pennell, appeared in 22 games for St. Thomas Aquinas College in 2018, mostly out of the bullpen, posting an impressive 7-1 record and a 1.73 ERA in 41.2 innings itched. Chris also recorded 3 saves and 1 complete game, while striking out 48 opposing batters and only walking 16 others.
Chris' most impressive outing came on May 20th at the NCAA East Regional with the Spartans facing elimination. Pennell threw a complete game four-hit shutout victory over tournament host, University of New Haven, pushing St. Thomas Aquinas College to the championship game the following day. In that game, the reliever turned starter for the evening struck out 13 opposing batters, while walking none.
In his four year career as a Spartan, Pennell appeared in 81 games for STAC, starting 3 of those contests, posting an outstanding 14-3 record with 5 saves and a 1.88 ERA in 120.0 innings pitched. Chris also had 1 complete game, while striking out 131 opposing batters and only walking 47, while helping his fellow Spartan teammates capture three ECC Regular Season (2016, 2017, 2018) and two Tournament Championships (2015, 2018). He was also a member of four NCAA East Regional Tournament appearances (2015-2018), one of which the college's second East Region Championship (2017), and assisted in leading St. Thomas Aquinas to the 2017 Division II World Series in Grand Prairie, Texas.
Pennell and the Boulders continue their four game series with the Sussex County Miners at Skylands Stadium Wednesday and Thursday, before returning to the friendly confines of Palisades Credit Union Park for their final homestand of the regular season, a 3-game set, against the New Jersey Jackals, beginning Friday.
Boulders Home Schedule (At Palisades Credit Union Park)
Friday, August 24 - 7:00pm (Sandlot Night)
Saturday, August 25 - 6:30pm (Disco Night)
Sunday, August 26 - 5:00pm (Fan Appreciation Day)