At a glance
The Alfred State College baseball team split a back and forth home doubleheader with Niagara CCC on Tuesday. The Pioneers won the opener 7-6 but fell 9-6 in the nightcap. ASC is now 13-12 on the year while NCCC is 21-3.
The Alfred State College baseball team split a back and forth home doubleheader with Niagara CCC on Tuesday. The Pioneers won the opener 7-6 but fell 9-6 in the nightcap. ASC is now 13-12 on the year while NCCC is 21-3.
In the opener, ASC rallied for three runs in 7th inning to earn the victory. With the bases loaded and one out, Ray Sova (West Genesee) lifted a fly ball down the right field line that Shane Baker made a diving catch in foul territory for the second out. Brian Zimmerman (Frontier) scored from third and Ryan Barkley (Penn Yan) scored from second after the relay throw bounced off the glove of the pitcher. After a walk to Berto Vargas (Norman Thomas), Jake Dale (Keshequa) singled up the middle to score Kenny O'Brien (Norwalk, CT).
Andrew Foster (Mississauga, ONT) earned the victory with a complete game performance. He allowed nine hits and three earned runs while striking out five. O'Brien was the lone Pioneer with multiple hits finishing 2 for 3 with an RBI. Dale was 1 for 3 with 2 RBI.
ASC jumped out to a 4-0 lead after two innings in the second game but the Trailblazers six in the 3rd inning to take control of the game. The Pioneers closed within one 6-5 and 7-6 but could never plate the tying run. In the 7th the first two hitters reached base before Paul McKenna came out of the pen and recorded the final three outs.
O'Brien was 2 for 3 with two triples and a RBI while Vargas was 2 for 3 with a double and an RBI.
Alfred State returns to Region III Division II action on Thursday when they travel to Mercyhurst North East. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.