MIT 10, Worcester State 6
Worcester, MA --- MIT junior Stewart Park (Brooklyn, NY-2B) went
4-for-5 with three runs scored and two RBIs while senior Steven
Toth (Walden, NY) hurled six innings allowing just one run as they
helped pace the Engineers to a 10-6 win this afternoon over
Worcester State in non conference men’s baseball action at
Tivnan Field.
MIT (22-11) got the game started loading the bases as they strung
together two singles and a walk. Senior Thomas Phillips (Durham,
NC-1B) hammered a two-run single and he along with sophomore Dan
Hyatt (Wallinghford, CT-C) moved to second and third on a wild
throw from the outfield.
Both players later scored on a sacrifice fly by David Nole
(Torrington, CT-LF) and an RBI single by senior Steven Nunez
(Tulare, CA-DH/P) to put the Scarlet and Gray up 4-0.
The Lancers (26-12) answered with a run in the bottom of the first
as senior Matt Hart (N. Easton, MA-CF) scored on a
run producing single by junior TJ Magnell
(Leominster, MA-3B). After Hart singled to lead off the frame, he
stole his 24th base of the season to get into scoring position.
In the top of the second MIT led off with two base-hits before
Stewart crossed the plate on a passed ball. Hyatt then blasted his
third homer of the season to put the Engineers up 7-1.
Worcester State responded in the bottom of the frame with four runs
as they made the score 7-5 after two innings. After two straight
singles and a sac bunt that put runners at second and third, the
Lancers took advantage of an error to score a run, a sacrifice fly
by Hart and an outfield single by Magnell to plate two more
runs.
After the home run in the top of the second, starter Craig
McBride (Attleboro, MA) and freshman reliever Phil
Recco (Boston, MA) combined to retire 12 of 13 through the
next three innings, which included 10 straight.
The Engineers, however, broke the game open in the top of the sixth
as they tagged first-year Tyler Metcalf
(Bellingham, MA) for three runs. The scoring was highlighted by a
two-run double by Park and an RBI single by freshman Creed Mangrum
(Sandy, UT-3B).
After the sixth, three Lancer relievers shut MIT down to keep WSC
within striking distance. Worcester State pitching also combined to
fan 10 batters, which included six by McBride.
Toth relieved Nunes, who only last three innings allowing five runs
(three earned) on seven hits and he pitched five scoreless innings
before he gave up a run in the bottom of the ninth. Toth was
outstanding as he scattered three hits and struck out six during
that five frame stretch.
In the bottom of the ninth, the Lancers made the game interesting
as junior Nick Caparell (N. Attleboro, MA-RF)
plated Hart and WSC soon threatened with the bases loaded. Toth,
however, ended the game as he induced a double play to end the
threat.
Hyatt and Mangrum each tallied three hits with two runs scored
while the Blue and Gold were paced by Hart and freshman
Jake Sanderski (Millbury, MA-LF) who recorded two
base-hits apiece.
Toth upped his record to 2-1 with the win while McBride events
out to 4-4.
The setback was the first for WSC as home team in 15 contests since
returning from Florida.
McBride, Hart along with senior classmates Pat
Good (Hull, MA) and Andy Cunningham
(Leicester, MA) were honored in their last home contest.
Worcester State will open up the first round of the MASCAC
tournament with a 4 PM contest against Westfield State on Thursday
at Holy Cross while the Engineers will play their next two at home
against Fisher tomorrow at 4 and UMass Boston at 3:30 on
Thursday.