Worcester, MA --- Junior David Ruggiero (Peabody, MA) went 3-for-4 with a homerun, three runs batted in and a trio of runs scored to help lead Worcester State past Salem State, 9-5, in a MASCAC tournament semi-final match-up this afternoon at the Lyons Baseball Diamond. 

With the win the Lancers advance to the championship game tomorrow and find themselves in a rematch with the Vikings at high noon. Salem State defeated Westfield State in an elimination game to close out the afternoon with a 4-3 walk off decision.

The Blue and Gold opened the scoring early grabbing a three run advantage after the first frame. 

Ruggiero doubled home sophomore Steve Wallace (Auburn, MA) before crossing home himself on a squeeze bunt from junior Jeff Bolio (Oxford, MA) two batters later. Bolio then stole third and was able to trot home after an errant throw by the catcher for the 3-0 lead.

Salem State responded in a big way in the top half of the second when sophomore Mike Davis (Peabody, MA) blasted a two-run homer to right center for the 3-2 score. 

The Vikings then took the lead in the top of the third inning scoring a pair of runs on a run producing single from junior Ryan Beliveau (Lynn, MA) and an RBI fielder's choice from Davis for the 4-3 edge.

Ruggiero again sparked a rally for the Lancers as he lead off the bottom half of the third with a solo shot down the right field line to tie the contest at 4-4. 

Then after back-to-back singles from freshman Adam Barry (Auburn, MA) and Bolio put two runners on base freshman Jake Ryan (Whitinsville, MA) knocked them both in with a two-run single to right center for the 6-4 cushion.

Salem State got one of those runs back off an errant throw in the top of the fourth making it a one-run game but that was as close as they would get. 

Junior Kris Doyle (Millbury, MA) found his stride and only allowed two hits over his next three innings of work and classmate Joe Perlak (Chicopee, MA) was perfect over the final two frames to shut the door.

Worcester State secured some insurance in the bottom of the sixth as they plated a trio of runs again for the 9-5 score. Ruggiero highlighted the stanza with an RBI double and Barry chipped in with a run producing base-knock. 

Doyle (6-3) surrendered five runs (four earned) on eight hits with five walks and six punchouts while Perlak fanned a pair in his two innings.

Salem State sophomore Sean Buckland (Lynn, MA) absorbed his first loss of the year and fell to 5-1 after tossing the first five and 1/3 innings allowing eight runs (seven earned) on nine hits with three walks and four strikeouts.

Bolio, Barry, and freshman Dan McGuill (E. Longmeadow) each added multiple hits joining Ruggiero to pace a Lancer attack that outhit the Vikings 12-8. 

Beliveau was the only Salem State player with a multi-hit performance as he went 2-for-3 with an RBI and scored twice. Davis added three runs batted in and crossed home once.

Story By John Hanna --- Sports Information Graduate Assistant

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