BENNINGTON, Vt. - As spring moves along, putting everything together becomes easier and easier as the Southern Vermont College men's baseball team got its stroke and defense in order on Thursday afternoon by shutting out visiting Vermont Technical College 7-0 on Epstein Field. The Mountaineers (2-12) were sparked by nine lights-out innings from freshman Eric Wells (1-2), who only allowed nine hits, walked one and struck out 11.

"(Wells) pitched a great game, and after not getting great defense behind him in Florida, he really deserved this win," said SVC head coach Don Schaffer. "By pitching efficiently, he was able to make it through the complete game.

"He worked out of a couple of tough jams and showed a maturity and poise on the mound far beyond his years. I am very proud of him."

Not only did Wells get help from his defense, but the Mountaineers helped out their pitcher when at the plate as well.

Dan Cook got things going in the bottom of the fourth, when he reached the bases with a single. Adam Northup came to the dish and cranked a home run over the left field fence, giving SVC a 2-0 lead going into the fifth.

Northup finished the game by going 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Brett Pawlak and Tim Johnson also finished with two hits, and David Gage went 3-for-4 from the lead-off spot.

"Tech's starting pitcher threw well, and had us a little off balance until we made some adjustments," Schaffer said. "Northup started it by hitting an absolute bomb to the biggest part of the park there in the fourth."

Vermont Tech's pitchers struggled throughout the game, and the only bright spot seemed to be Blake Wright, who finished with two hits.

Northup and Pawlak both drove in a run in the bottom of the seventh with doubles, pushing the Mountaineers lead to 5-0; essentially ending an hope of a Vermont Tech comeback.

"Baseball is an easy game when your pitcher throws strikes, and your defense makes plays," Schaffer said.

The Mountaineers head to Newbury College for an NECC doubleheader Saturday, March 28 and then host Plymouth State College Sunday for non-conference double-header on Epstein Field at 12:00 p.m.