University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
USF
Huskies Walking Off To American Championship Game
5/25/2018 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Final Stats | Photo Gallery 
CLEARWATER, FLA. - The No. 22 UConn baseball team never does anything the easy way but seem to find a way to win ballgames this season. The 35th dub of the season came in walk off fashion, 3-2, vs. No. 24 USF to send the Huskies to the 2018 American Conference Championship game.
UConn only mustered up six hits in the victory but made them count in the bottom of the ninth. John Toppa led off the frame with an infield base hit to begin the UConn rally followed by Anthony Prato lining his ninth hit of the tournament, third of the game into right center. The Huskies had the stage set with runners at the corners and one out.
After a Susi groundout and Isaac Feldstein intentional walk, the bases were loaded for the senior Troy Stefanski. The North Stonington, Conn. native came through with a high chopper over the head of Coco Montes at short and the celebration began. It was the second walk-off single of Stefanski's UConn career.
That's Right, Coach! Opportunity to play for a Ring, Tomorrow! 💍🏆 pic.twitter.com/YbDHAEA67k
— UConn Baseball (@UConnBSB) May 25, 2018
The Stefanski hit was the first for the Huskies with a runner in scoring position (1-12) but UConn continued to battle working eight walks in the game.
Jeff Kersten and CJ Dandeneau kept the Huskies in the game with Kersten firing four innings of one run ball and Dandeneau with 1.1 innings of allowing just one run.
Jake Wallace changed the momentum for the Huskies in the sixth after UConn squandered a bases loaded and no out opportunity in the previous frame. With runners at second and third, one out and UConn down 2-1, Wallace struck out back-to-back batters to keep it a one-run deficit.
The Huskies answered with a run in the sixth to tie the game at two. Christian Fedko roped a double to left field and eventually pinch-runner Anthony Nucerino scored on a wild pitch.
Wallace finished the day pitching 2.2 scoreless innings, allowed just one hit and struck out five.
P.J. Poulin earned his sixth win out of the bullpen after keeping USF off the scoreboard in the ninth and set up the walk-off scenario.
UConn is scheduled to play No. 15 ECU at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 26 at Spectrum Field. The game will be streamed on The American Digital Network Plus Facebook page. You do not need a Facebook subscription to tune in.
Notes
The Huskies advance to their second American Athletic Conference Championship game after winning the title in 2016.
The eight walks drawn by the Huskies is the second most for UConn in a game this season (UCF, 4/7).
UConn moves to 7-3 all-time against the Bulls in a conference tournament format. It was the second time the Huskies have walked off USF in postseason play. (2013 Big East Championship).
The Huskies advance to their fifth conference tournament championship game in the past 10 seasons (2-3).
