POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — Vassar senior infielder Chris Maceira crushed the first pitch he saw for a game-winning three-run homer with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning to complete a four run comeback as Vassar (8-12) defeated SUNY New Paltz (7-15) this afternoon.
New Paltz seemingly had the game in hand, leading 7-4 with two outs in the ninth and no one on base, The Hawks had managed to keep Vassar at bay for most of the game, leading 4-0 and 6-3. But in the bottom of the ninth, Brewers sophomore pinch-hitter Eric Hersey (Willow, NY) chopped a ball to New Paltz shortstop George Perry (Hugenot, NY). In a close play at first base, the umpires initially ruled Hersey out, ending the game. After a brief discussion, though, the crew decided junior first baseman Dean Glanzman’s (Commack, NY) foot came off the bag, awarding Hersey the base.
Sophomore outfielder Jon Feingold (Florence, MA) followed Hersey’s at-bat with a walk. Senior designated hitter Nate Webb then bounced a single up the middle, scoring a run and setting the stage for Maceira’s (Pound Ridge, NY) bottom of the ninth dramatics.
New Paltz jumped out to a quick four-run lead, scoring runs a pair of runs in the second and third innings. The Hawks managed to score both of their runs in the third without recording a hit. A walk, a wild pitch and two errors allowed New Paltz to take a 4-0 lead and chase Vassar starter Matt Elias (Brooklyn, NY) from the game.
Although the Hawks would lead until the final inning, the game was never far out-of-reach for Vassar. The Brewers stranded 12 men on the day, including several in scoring position. Trailing 7-4, Vassar had the bases loaded with two out in the eighth, but senior clean-up hitter Kristaps Aldins (Westwood, MA) grounded out to first to end the inning.
The loss spoiled a solid pitching performance by New Paltz’s sophomore starter Ryan Schafer (Oceanside, NY). On the day, Schafer pitched 8 2/3 innings, giving up six earned runs on fifteen hits, striking out eight and walking four. Sophomore infielder Javier Lopez (Selden, NY) paced the Hawks offense, going two-for-four with an RBI.
Alex Tanskey (Bedford, NY) picked up the win for Vassar in relief of Elias. Tanskey went six innings, allowing just one earned run on three hits. The Brewer offense was lead by Maceira who went 3-for-5 with 4 RBIs and two runs scored and junior infielder Paul Noonan (Middlebury, CT) who also went 3-for-5.
The cross-river-rivalry is now tied at 1-1, with the rubber game to be played in New Paltz on May 2. The Hawks will play at FDU Florham tomorrow.
