Husson 8, Worcester State 4

Worcester State 12, Husson 3

Game 1 --- Box Score

Game 2 --- Box Score

Winter Haven, FL --- Worcester State split with Husson on Tuesday afternoon as the Eagles took the opening game 8-4 before the Lancers bounced back to win the night cap, 12-3. Worcester State was paced by junior Cory McDonald (Hudson, MA) who went 5-for-8 with three runs and an RBI on the day.

WSC (2-3-1) grabbed the early 2-0 lead with a run in the first and third innings. Classmate Nick Fluegge (Ware, MA) doubled in McDonald, who had reached on a two-bagger himself, and the Blue and Gold took advantage of a pair of miscues as Fluegge plated the other run.

But Husson (5-6) would get to third-year starter Chad Kasik (Dudley, MA) as they took the 4-2 edge with four runs in the top of the fourth. The Eagles were aided by a trio of walks and a Lancer error in the infield as they were highlighted by a two-run single by sophomore Kevin Rennik (Lincoln, RI).

Worcester State came back and knotted the game in the bottom of the fourth with an RBI double by junior Tyler McElman (Marlboro, MA) and a triple by senior Ryan LaPrade (Leominster, MA) to bring in McElman. 

Husson though would take control of the contest and score four runs over the final three innings behind the efforts of junior lefthander Ryan Arsenault (Portland, ME). The Eagles took the 6-2 lead with two runs in the top of the fifth as junior Chris Maguire (Bucksport, ME) drove in classmate Chris Gurette (Wales, ME) with a double. Sophomore Jake Arthers (Belfast, ME) then plated Maguire to cap scoring in the inning.

WSC would threaten with men on second and third with two outs in the bottom of the fifth, but they would end the frame running into an out at third in an attempt to execute a double-steal. It was after that Arsenault would take control and retire five of the last six to earn the triumph to improve his record to 2-0.

In a complete-game effort, Arseualt used 87 pitches as he allowed four runs (three earned) with three strikeouts. He also walked no one, but he did hit one batter.

Kasik (0-2) lasted 4 2/3 innings as he yielded six runs (four earned) on four hits as he tallied an equal number of four punchouts and walks. Kasik was relieved by sophomore Kyle St. Thomas (Bridgewater, MA) who went 2 1/3 innings who gave up two runs (one earned) off three hits as he fanned three batters and issued one free pass.

Fluegge paced the Lancers in game one as he went 2-for-3 with one RBI. Arthers contributed a pair of doubles for Husson while Arthers crossed the plate three times and he added a RBI triple in the top of the seventh.

In the second game, Worcester State struck first blood again in the top of the first when junior Paul Rodriguez (San Antonio, TX) tripled in McDonald who got to first with a two-out single.

Husson eventually knotted the game 1-1 in the bottom of the third as sophomore Cody Haverly-Johndro (Newport, ME) plated freshman Chase Daniels (Brewer, ME) who got on with a lead-off walk.

The Lancers promptly responded and made it a 3-1 contest in the top of the third when senior Nick Caparell (Attleboro, MA) crossed home plate on an errant throw by the catcher after he stole third. WSC scored the other run when Mullin plated sophomore Jake Sanderski (Millbury, MA).

Husson tacked on one more run in the bottom of the frame on an RBI single by Arthers.

But the Blue and Gold would chase starter junior Kyle Leeman (Bangor, ME) from the game when the offense exploded for seven runs in the top of the fifth inning as they made it a 10-2. WSC batted around as they notched eight of their 20 hits and highlighted by an RBI triple by junior Ben Mullin (Burlington, MA) and run producing double by senior TJ Magnell (Leominster, MA).

Junior Bobby DeVito (Webster, MA) earned his first triumph of the season. DeVito (1-0) allowed two earned runs on three hits in five innings of work on 81 pitches while he also fanned six and gave up a pair of free passes.

Devito’s start was finished off by McDonald and senior Kevin Hayes (Medford, MA). McDonald allowed a run on three hits in the eighth while Hayes pitched a scoreless ninth.

McDonald went 4-for-5 with a pair of trips to the plate and Mullin used a 3-for-4 performance at the plate to drive in two runs. Caparell and freshman Chris Creen (Worcester, MA/St. Johns) also chipped in with two hits as they combined for three RBIs.

Arthers was the only multi-hit player as he went 2-for-3 with a run batted in.

Worcester State will take Wednesday off and play a double header against Roger Williams at Chain of Lakes Field #2. The first game is slated for a 1:30 start.