Kiely, Sullivan lead unbeaten Trinity into College World Series

Heading to the College World Series with a perfect 41-0 — could it be any better for the Trinity College baseball team?

Two local players, Tim Kiely of Swampscott and former St. John's Prep standout Matt Sullivan of North Reading, are about to find out.

Both players have figured prominently in the Bantams' record-breaking season. Now, they're hoping to help their Hartford-based school bring home a Division 3 NCAA title when the World Series takes place starting Friday at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton, Wisc.

"This is something so special," said Sullivan, a sophomore and starting centerfielder for the New England Small College Athletic Conference champions. "After we won the NCAA Regionals (beating the University of Southern Maine, 10-3. last Sunday in Harwich), we dove into a pig pile on the mound — and it was an incredible feeling. We're all trying to grasp what being 41-0 means and enjoy it at the same time."

Kiely, who is a perfect 10-0 on the mound with an ERA of 1.37, has allowed just one walk the entire season, covering 79 innings, while striking out a NESCAC-high 87 batters this spring.

The honors continue to roll in for the senior right-hander, too. He was recently named NESCAC Pitcher of the Year and a First Team All-Star for the second straight time. Kiely also made the NCAA East Regional All-Tournament Team after beating Western New England College, 7-2, last Friday with his fifth complete game of the season. In addition, he was selected All-New England Pitcher of the Year by a committee of coaches (after being named to the Second Team All-New England a year ago).

"I'll put the plaques next to my high school trophies," said Kiely. "It's been quite a ride and unbelievable fun. We just have to stay loose. Last year we backed our way into the (Regional) tournament, but it's different this time because we're one of the favorites. If we play our game, we're the team to beat.

"We're trying to keep our heads in the building, but that is the way it's been all season. Nobody wants to talk about themselves or their accomplishments; it's all about the team."

The Bantams, who fly out to Appleton today to begin preparations for the World Series, will face Cortland State of New York in their opener Friday at 7:45 pm.. Cortland (42-3) knocked Trinity out of the NCAA Regionals a year ago.

In addition to those two squads, the double-elimination tournament will also feature Chapman (Calif.) University, Kean (N.J.) University, Adrian (Mich.) College, Johns Hopkins of Maryland, Wisconsin-Whitewater and Linfield (Ore.) College.

"That's the big game for us right away on Day 1," said Kiely, who is likely to get the ball against Cortland State. A year ago, Kiely started and pitched well in a 13-inning win over the Red Dragons in the first meeting between the two teams.

"We're the No. 2 and No. 3 (Division 3) teams in the country, and favored to win it all along with Chapman State. I believe the team that comes out on top will make some noise, but I like that matchup."

Sullivan certainly likes his team's chances with the former Swampscott High ace on the mound. "Kiely has been there for us all year long," he said.

Trinity has set new NCAA records for best start to a season (the old record had been 34 straight wins), and toppled Marietta (Ga.) College's mark of 40 consecutive wins at the Division 3 level by beating Southern Maine in the East Regional title game.

"We know exactly what we're going to see (at the World Series), said Sullivan, the Bantam's No. 8 hitter. He's hitting .349 with six doubles, a home run and 17 RBIs and drove in a run in the championship game of the Regionals.

"As long as the bats are there, we'll be OK. It's not just the 3-4-5 batters doing the job; we're strong all through the lineup. I try to put the ball in play and make the fielders do the work, especially with runners on base. Coach (Bill Decker) told me to shorten up on the bat and get the ball in play, so that's what I've been trying to do.

As the only people left on campus, the Trinity players and coaches met on Monday and had a regular practice yesterday before leaving for Wisconsin today.

"Coach Decker talked to us about getting ready," said Kiely. "We'll have time to rest after flying out and have a light workout on the field (tomorrow) afternoon. The World Series banquet is (tomorrow), and all the coaches will speak.

Photos

Tim Kiely of Swampscott, who has posted a 10-0 record and 1.37 ERA for the 41-0 Trinity College baseball team this season, leads the Bantams into the Division 3 College World Series in Appleton, Wisc., beginning Friday. Staff photo