SUNY New Paltz Baseball Victorious Over Vassar

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — The SUNY New Paltz baseball team overcame an early two-run deficit to defeat local rival Vassar College 9-4 this afternoon. With the win the Hawks stand at 13-11 overall, one victory short of last season’s win total, 14.

The proficient SUNY New Paltz (13-11) offense had a slow start against junior pitcher Matt Elias (Brooklyn, NY). Elias held the Hawks scoreless until the fifth when senior outfielder Jeff Cote’ (Mechanicsville, MD) laced a three-run double to right center. Following the fifth, the SUNY New Paltz offense would explode for six more runs over the next three innings to ensure the 9-4 victory.

Cote’ served as the Hawks’ top offensive performer with a 3-for-4 effort at the plate, he scored once and knocked in four runs. Cote’ currently leads SUNY New Paltz with 38 hits so far this season. Sophomore third baseman Neal Rosengren (White Plains, NY) and freshman second baseman Tyler Antrim (East Haddam, CT) each recorded two hits, scored twice and provided a RBI. Sophomore pitcher Jeff Stith (Selden, NY) picked up the win in relief to improve his 2006 record to 4-1. Senior pitcher Ryan Schafer (Oceanside, NY) got the start for the Hawks.

Elias picked up his first loss of the season for Vassar College (3-12). Elias pitched five innings, giving up three runs on four hits; he walked one and struck out one. Juniors, shortstop John Mandel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) and third baseman Mark Ramos (Rochester, NY) each collected two hits for the Brewers.

The SUNY New Paltz baseball team will travel to conference rival Fredonia this Saturday, April 8 for a 12:00 pm doubleheader.