NEW PALTZ, NY — The SUNY New Paltz baseball team lost a doubleheader to 13th ranked and conference rival Cortland this afternoon.
The Red Dragons (14-8, 8-0) took the first game 5-0 and used a three-run seventh in game two to break open a 6-5 game to prevail, 10-5.
In game one, senior left-hander Mike Hubbs (Averill Park, NY) allowed six hits and walked one in a seven-inning complete game effort for Cortland. Sophomore right fielder Andy Mead (Baldwinsville, NY) hit a two-run homer in the top of the first to put the Red Dragons in front, 2-0. The Red Dragons added single runs the second, fifth and seven innings to take the first game.
SUNY New Paltz, who had some opportunities early on against Hubbs, stranded four runners in the first two innings and seven for the game. The Hawks had runners at first and second with one out in each of the first two innings but were unable to break into the run column against Hubbs who improved to 3-3 with the victory.
Sophomore right fielder Jeff Cote’ (Mechanicsville, MD) went 2-for-3 for the Hawks. Sophomore Joe Gugliotta (Staten Island, NY) tossed his first career complete game. He allowed nine hits, four earned runs, walked two and struck out four.
In the second game, the Hawks (9-18, 2-6) battled back from a 6-0 deficit to make it a one-run game. Sophomore first baseman Matt Zajdel (Agawam, MA) had an RBI double in the second and freshman third baseman John DeKams (Kings Park, NY) doubled in two to cut the Red Dragons lead in half.
In the bottom of the fifth, sophomore leftfielder Vinny McAdams (Little Falls, NY) scored when Cote’ hit a single to left that was misplayed by senior Josh Horner (Groton, NY). With Cote’ on third and junior shortstop Pete Esposito (Brooklyn, NY) at the plate the Hawks executed a squeeze allowing Cote’ to score to make it a one-run game.
The Hawks left the tying run at third in the inning but were unable to pull any closer.
A two-run single in the top of the seventh by senior second baseman Neal Heaton, Jr. (Bellport, NY) keyed a three-run inning and put the Red Dragons ahead 9-5.
Heaton, Jr. went 3-for-4 with two runs batted in the second game. Horner was 3-for-6 with an RBI.
McAdams and freshman right fielder Justin Buonamano (Royersford, PA) each had two hits for the Hawks.
Sophomore Nick McPartland (Beacon, NY) pitched three and a third innings of relief to pick up the win for Cortland. Freshman Greg Campo (Staten Island, NY) pitched six and two thirds and took the loss.
