In the team’s first at-bat at Fenway Park in more than two years, the rookie lined a double down the left field line.

“[Northeastern starter Jim Madison] surprised me pretty early,” Vance said. “He threw a bunch of breaking balls. Then I just jumped on an inside change up.”

Vance scored on a Josh Klimkiewicz sacrifice fly, setting the tone early for a Harvard team that never trailed.

“The thing that’s happening is he’s getting better and better with his games,” Walsh said. “Sometimes you go back and forth all the time. He’s really improving. He’s getting a real good feel for things.”

Vance finished the day 2-for-3 at the plate, scoring two runs and swiping a base. He was also hit by a pitch and walked, raising his on-base percentage above .400 after creating havoc at the top of the order.

“You know, nothing bothers him,” Walsh said. “A high pitch called for a strike makes it in. He steps out of the box, gets a breaking ball, goes the other way with it.”

HOMECOMING

Junior Zak Farkes returned to Fenway Park last night to pinch-hit for sophomore Brendan Byrne in the top of the ninth.

It was a meaningful moment for the 2004 Red Sox draft pick and Boston native, who has battled injuries in recent days. After flying out, Farkes stayed in the field for the bottom of the inning.

“I live about two blocks from here,” he said. “So it’s been a dream since I was young to come out on this field and run around.”

It was only one of many appearances at Fenway for the graduate of BB&N High School, who played in All-Star games during high school and in his freshman year Beanpot.

Last year, the tournament was held in Brockton, Mass., where the Crimson finished third.

“They really take care of this field,” Farkes said of the home of the Red Sox. “I know it’s a brand new surface. To let us come out here like really shows that they’re supporting local baseball teams.”

BROWN LOOMS

Other freshmen contributing to the team victory last night included slugger Steffan Wilson, who continued his torrid hitting with a leadoff triple in the third, and Shawn Haviland, who pitched two innings of relief without allowing an earned run.