Former Bristol Eastern pitcher Tom Curtin was already used to pitching in the NEC Tournament for Central Connecticut State University baseball.
Curtin had thrown for the Blue Devils as a sophomore in the 2017 NEC Tournament, which they won. This time around, the senior right-hander was a big part of CCSU’s NEC championship run.
Curtin allowed just two runs in 14 2/3 innings of work during the tournament, which was played at Dodd Stadium in Norwich. Curtin started the championship game against Bryant University on Sunday, and though he didn’t factor in the decision, he was named MVP for his efforts throughout the tournament.
Curtin started against Wagner College on Thursday and fired a complete game, six-hit shutout in CCSU’s 5-0 victory. Curtin threw 97 pitches, including 69 for strikes, struck out five batters and walked none.
On Sunday, Curtin was on the mound for the start of the championship game. He pitched 5 2/3 innings and gave up two runs on eight hits. Curtin struck out five and walked two. He threw 86 pitches, 57 for strikes. The Blue Devils trailed 2-1 when Curtin left the game, but they rallied for single runs in the seventh and eighth innings to claim a 3-2 lead. Jared Gallagher shut down Wagner in the ninth, and CCSU celebrated its championship. Curtin was named to the NEC All-Tournament team, along with Gallagher, Buddy Dewaine and TT Bowens.
CCSU finds out where they will play the Division I NCAA Tournament on Monday at noon on ESPNU.
