Worcester, MA --- Senior Zach George (Attleboro, MA) along with teammates David Ruggiero (Peabody, MA) and Cody Osburn (Sacramento, CA) combined for nine hits, six runs and seven RBI to help pace Worcester State to a 16-4 triumph over Becker in non-conference baseball action this afternoon at the Lyons Diamond.
Due to unplayable field conditions at Rochdale Park, the Hawks (9-6) relocated to Rockwood Park as the home team for today's matchup. Worcester State upped their record to 7-8 in the victory.
The Blue and Gold took over the commanding 8-0 lead in the top of the second, taking advantage of a couple of miscues.
The inning was highlighted by George who knocked out a two-run blast for his first collegiate round tripper while sophomore Dan McGuill (E. Longmeadow, MA) rapped out a double which scored a duo of runs. Ruggiero, Osburn and junior Steve Wallace (Auburn, MA) also plated tallies with two-baggers of their own.
Becker responded in the bottom of the second on a solo shot from freshman Kevin Perez (Jersey City, NJ), and a two-RBI double by sophomore Nico Bedell (Manorville, NY) to make the score 8-3 in the third.
The Hawks kept their opponents at bay with three scoreless frames by senior reliever Matt Camara (S. Attleboro, MA), but the Lancers got to the bullpen in the later innings.
After senior Jeff Bolio (Oxford, MA) scampered home on a misplayed fly ball by the centerfielder, a five-run top of the sixth was also underscored by run producing at bats by sophomore Adam Barry (Auburn, MA/Holy Name), Ruggiero and Osburn for the 14-3 margin.
Becker did get a run back in the bottom of the sixth on an RBI single by freshman Samuel Stratton (Paxton, MA), however, the hosts kept the pressure on and tallied three times over the final three innings for the final score.
Sophomore Zach Zona (Auburn, MA/St. Peter-Marian) hurled seven solid innings for the hosts. Zona (2-2) allowed four earned runs on nine hits to go with eight strikeouts and two walks.
Sophomore Tyler Wagar (Uxbridge, MA) was tagged with the setback for Becker. His record dropped to 1-3 in the loss.
George, Ruggiero and Oxburn all logged three base-knocks apiece for the Lancers to pace an attack that outslugged their local rivals, 14-9.
Bolio and sophomore Jake Ryan (Whitinsville, MA) also crossed home plate twice for WSU. Freshman Francis Baldino (E. Brookfield, MA) was Becker's lone multi-hitter with a 2-for-4 effort at the plate.
Worcester State will play again tomorrow in their MASCAC opener at home against Mass Maritime starting at 12 PM. Becker plays again next week against Elms in an NECC affair on the road at 7:30.
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