Whittier, Cali. (3/14/07) - Freshman Nick Nolan (Linden, N.J.) blasted two homeruns as the Kean University baseball improved to 6-1, defeating Whittier College, 6-4, Wednesday afternoon.The Cougars led throughout, tacking on the game's first run in the top of the first inning. Designated hitter Mike Shymanski (Edison, N.J.) recorded an RBI groundout, bringing home Maikel De La Rosa (Newark, N.J.) who reached on a bunt single.

Kean extended their lead to 3-0 in the second as Nolan launched a two-run homerun over the second-tier fence in leftfield.

After swapping single runs, Whittier responded by tacking on three runs in the bottom of the third on two RBI singles and an error.

The Cougars held on and recorded single runs in both the fourth and sixth innings. Nolan registered his second homerun of the afternoon, a solo shot to start off the fourth inning while outfielder Dan Mattonelli (Hamilton, N.J.) had an RBI single in the sixth.

Pitchers Tom Paglione (Hamilton, N.J.) and Brandon Aich (Sayreville, N.J.) combined efforts in today's victory. Paglione (1-0) tossed five innings allowing four runs, three earned while also striking out three and walking just one. Aich picked up his first save of the season by throwing four innings of shutout ball. He allowed two hits and struck out three.

Offensively Shymanski and Mattonelli were each 2-for-4 while shortstop Perry Schatzow (Ocean Twp., N.J.) was 1-for-4 with an RBI double.