WORCESTER, Mass. – The Worcester State University Lancers conquered a 6-5 victory over the visiting UMass Boston Beacons Friday afternoon at the Kevin D. Lyons Diamond, as rookie Ben Palatino (Hudson, Mass.) sent a 3-run shot over the left field fence for the Blue and Gold's go-ahead in the top of the 7th inning.
The Beacons came out strong and scored two runs apiece in the 1st and 2nd innings. In the 1st, two back-to-back doubles from Dan Mantoni (Northbridge, Mass.) and Kyle Boudrias (Medford, Mass.) and a single from Chris Fowler (Barnstable, Mass.) drove in the two runs. In the second inning, Sal Frosceno (Derby, Conn.) registered a solo home run, and then Bourdrias sent Josh Lopez (New Haven, Conn.) home on an RBI grounder to second base.
Worcester State was able to tally their first run of the game in the bottom of the 2nd when two runners reached on Beacon fielding errors. Another runner walked to load the bases, and Jimmy Sheehan (Oxford, Mass.) collected an RBI on a sacrifice fly to center field.
The Lancers added two more runs to the scoreboard in the bottom of the 4th when Worcester State picked up their first three hits of the game. The Lancers loaded the bases as Adam Barry (Auburn, Mass.) walked, and Seth Leslie (Phillipston, Mass.) and Kevin Larkin (Bristol, Conn.) reached on singles. Freshman Kenan Kolanda (Sterling, Mass.) drove two runs in with two outs on a double to right field, cutting the Lancers' deficit to just one (4-3).
The Beacons chipped in one more run in the top of the 7th inning before the Lancers' Palatino came through with the clutch 3-run home run in the reverse side of the inning. Both Dez Aguirre (Springfield, Mass.) and Jake Ryan (Northbridge, Mass.) reached on walks, from where Palatino sent himself and the two other runners home on the homer.
The Lancers would shut the Beacons out in the top of the 8th, and then sealed the win in the bottom of the 9th as one batter struck out, a Beacon was caught stealing third, and a popup to Kolanda ended the game.
Worcester State's relief pitcher, Matt Irzyk (Westfield, Mass.) earned his first win of the season on the mound, as he pitched for 5.1 innings and only allowed one unearned run on two hits. Andrew Reed (Douglas, Mass.) picked up the save as he closed out the 9th.
UMass Boston's starting pitcher, Joey Rogers (Dighton, Mass.) saw a great performance in five innings pitched, only allowing three runs (one unearned) on three hits in five innings pitched. The Beacons saw three additional pitchers on the occasion, however, Joe Maguire (Peabody, Mass.) suffered the loss in 1.2 innings pitched.
UMass Boston's Boudrias led all teams offensively, as he went 3-for-4 with two runs, two RBI and a walk.
Next up, the Lancers face Mass. Maritime tomorrow in a 1 p.m. MASCAC doubleheader. The Beacons also resume action on the same date as they travel to Rhode Island College for a LEC twinbill.