February 20, 2024

By Matt Betts

Canadian Baseball Network

It took no time at all for freshman outfielder Cameron Chee-Aloy to feel comfortable in the University of Illinois lineup.

Chee-Aloy (Toronto, Ont.) started his college career with a bang, hitting three home runs in four games as the Illini went 2-2 to open the season in Winston-Salem, N.C.

It all started when he hit a two-run home run to put his team ahead for good in a 3-1 win over Akron.

In the rematch that followed, he hit another two-run home run, walked, drove in three and was hit by a pitch in a 5-4, 11-inning loss.

Next up was No. 1 Wake Forest. The former Terrier collected a hit in a 5-2 loss.

To round out the weekend, he hit a solo home run and walked in a 9-1 victory over Fordham.

Honourable Mentions

Catcher Matt Ward had four hits, a walk and two RBIs as Niagara University swept a four-game series from Richmond to open the campaign.

Sticking with Niagara, Matt Torresan had a hit in a 6-3 Game 2 victory.

Austin Gomm had a pair of hits, a walk, an RBI and a stolen base as LSU-Shreveport swept Huston-Tillotson to improve to 11-1 on the season.

Central Arizona's Elijha Hammill doubled in a 6-0 win over Cochise College.

AJ Karosas had a hit and stole a base in the only game the University of Charleston would play in their series against Tiffin University due to weather. The Golden Eagles came away with a 7-3 victory.

Zach Marriott had four hits and a walk in three games for Hendrix College.

Rutgers swept Winthrop thanks in part to a hit and three hit by pitches from Hugh Pinkney.