NEW PALTZ — The visiting Cortland Red Dragons used huge innings to open up close games en route to two victories over New Paltz men’s baseball.
In game one, a 2-0 game turned into an insurmountable 7-0 game thanks to Nate Gagnon’s 4th inning grand slam for Cortland. The Hawks were able to battle a bit closer with two runs each in the bottom half of the 6th and 7th on RBI singles from Ernest Sosa (Santa Domingo, DR), Randy Walters (Collierville, TN), Jeff Lackaye (Woodstock, NY), and Kevin Smith (Niskayuna, NY). Cortland grabbed four more runs after the pivotal 4th inning for an 11-4 final score. John Buonamano (Royersford, PA) took the loss for the Hawks pitching 4 and 2/3 innings giving up 8 runs on 7 hits and striking out 5 batters.
In game two, Cortland hurler Phil Benante pitched a complete-game, three-hit gem to lead the Red Dragons to the win in game two. Hawk pitcher Eric Kantner (New Hampton, NY) kept the game close throughout as he gave up just three runs in eight innings of work. In the top of the ninth though, the floodgates opened and seven Red Dragons crossed the plate en route to a 10-0 win.
The losses on Saturday give the Hawks a 5-11-1 record on the year and an 0-2 start in the SUNYAC. Men’s baseball will return to Loren Campbell Field Wednesday when they do battle with Mid-Hudson rival Vassar. The game will begin at 3:30 pm.
