Worcester State 10, Anna Maria 1
Paxton, MA --- Junior third baseman Tyler McElman (Marlboro, MA) smashed a grand slam in third inning to lead the Worcester State College baseball team over Anna Maria College in a non-conference matchup at a windy Alumni Field in Paxton.
The Lancers move to 14-5-1 overall while the AMCATS fall to 12-10 with their fourth-straight loss.
Senior Ryan Laprade (Leominster, MA) led the way with three hits and three steals for the Lancers. Senior right fielder Nick Caparell (North Attleboro, MA) added three hits and three runs scored, while freshman Chris Creen (Worcester, MA) contributed a triple and two runs scored. Freshman pitcher Shaun Slattery (Gardner, MA) was solid on the mound for the Lancers, going 5 2/3 shutout innings while striking out four and improving his season record to 2-0.
The AMCATs were led by senior Jeff Lander (Gloucester, MA) who reached base twice, scored a run, and added a stolen base. Junior catcher Jeff Kodys (Holden, MA) knocked in the lone run for the AMC.
The AMCATS were plagued by walks and errors for most of the game and were unable to break through against the solid pitching of the Lancers.
The Lancers held a 1-0 advantage into the top of the third when the Lacers erupted for six runs. TJ Magnell (Leominster, MA) led off the inning with a walk, followed by a single from Corey McDonald (Hudson, MA). Two more walks and an RBI-single by Caparell led to two Worcester State runs, leaving the bases loaded for McElman who smashed a grand slam over the left center field fence to give the Lancers a 7-0 lead.
The AMCATS had a chance to answer in the bottom of the inning, when an error, a walk, and in infield single by Mike Guarnieri (Wallington, CT) loaded the bases. However, Slattery was able to end the threat by getting Jeff Scafidi (Worcester, MA) to ground out with the bases loaded.
The AMCATS scored their lone run in the sixth inning when Lander walked, stole second, and came home on an RBI-single to left by Kodys.
Brian Tivnan (Worcester, MA) absorbed the loss for Anna Maria as his record drops to 2-1 on the season.
McElman now leads the team with 28 RBIs while he ties for the most homers on the team with Johno Hinkell (North Adams, MA) and Nick Fluegge (Ware, MA) as they each have five apiece. The Lancers have smashed 26 dingers as a team.
Worcester State returns to conference play with a doubleheader at Westfield State this Saturday at 12 pm, while the AMCATS look to bounce back on Saturday in a TCCC doubleheader versus Wentworth beginning at noon.
Major Portions of Release Courtesy of Anna Maria Sports
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