Hawks Fall to Red Dragons in Doubleheader

NEW PALTZ, NY — The Hawks dropped both games of this afternoon’s doubleheader to Cortland 9-2, and 11-0. SUNY New Paltz falls to 17-20 on the year and closes out their conference schedule at 3-11.

Down a run in the second inning, SUNY New Paltz (17-20, 3-11) opened with back-to-back singles from sophomore catcher Robert Helf (Peconic, NY) and junior shortstop Daniel Garcia (Patterson, NY). Freshman second baseman Tyler Antrim (East Haddam, CT) then walked to load the bases for senior designated hitter Josh Gutes (Hauppauge, NY). On a controversial officiating call, Gutes grounded into a catcher unassisted double play to quiet the Hawks’ rally. SUNY New Paltz, however, grabbed a run in the third when Garcia walked with the bases loaded to tie the affair, 2-2.

Cortland reclaimed the lead in the fourth on a two-run single from senior outfielder Andrew Mead (Baldwinsville, NY). Mead plated another run in the seventh, as the Red Dragons added five late runs to take the opener 9-2.

Senior outfielder Bill Kelts (Waterford, NY) led the Hawks offensively with three infield singles in four at-bats. Junior third baseman John DeKams (Kings Park, NY) recorded two hits in the contest. Senior pitcher Ryan Schafer (Oceanside, NY) picked up the loss. Working four innings of relief, he allowed three earned runs on six hits, while walking one and striking out one. Junior pitcher Mike Zgorzelski (Troy, NY) earned his fourth win for Cortland, striking seven in seven innings of work.

Sophomore pitcher Chris Bilyk (Ithaca, NY) carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning of the second game, but Kelts ripped a single down the left field line to break it up and collect his fourth base-hit of the afternoon. Cortland (28-5, 11-1) recorded 11 runs on 12 hits, behind senior outfielder Zach Tacelli (Latham, NY) and sophomore catcher Mike Zaccardo (Irondequoit, NY), who each hit homeruns and totaled three RBI apiece. Junior pitcher Greg Campo (Staten Island, NY) allowed two earned runs on five hits, while walking one and striking out two, to pick up the loss in three innings of work.

The SUNY New Paltz baseball team will host the City College of New York tomorrow, Friday, April 28, at 3:30 pm.