Worcester, MA --- Seniors Corey McDonald (Hudson, MA) and Nick Fluegge (Ware, MA) both powered Worcester State with four hits apiece as they combined for six runs and 10 RBIs to help pace the Lancers to a 23-8 triumph over UMass Dartmouth this afternoon in non-conference baseball action at Assumption.
With the win, the Lancers improve to 11-7 while the Corsairs slip to 7-9 with the setback.
McDonald was a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate with four runs scored and a triple as Fluegge finished with three doubles and eight runs driven in. Fourth-year Johno Hinkell (North Adams, MA) and junior Joe Eramo (Shirley, MA) each came home three times and added two RBIs. Sophomore Nick Gezotis (Westfield, MA) was also 2-for-6 with three RBIs.
For UMD, senior Zac Talis (Lynnfield, MA) and sophomore Matt Warden (N. Bedford, MA) both chipped in with three base-knocks apiece as junior John Granahan (Hanover, MA) ended the afternoon with two hits.
The Corsairs opened the games scoring in the top of the first as the visitors took advantage of consecutive infield miscues with a two-run double by Talis.
But Worcester State would answer with a nine runs in the bottom of the first as the Lancers utilized three walks and a misplayed bunt in the inning. Fluegge would notch with the first of his run producing doubles before McDonald, Gezotis and Fluegge all capped off the frame with RBIs.
UMass Dartmouth cut into the lead with a pair of runs in the top of the second. Sophomore Ryan Levesque (Northbridge, MA) scampered home on a two base error in the outfield before senior Ryan McDermott (Pembroke, MA) scored on a wild pitch.
But Hinkell helped the Lancers claim the 10-4 lead, with a solo blast to the deep part of right center in the bottom half of the second.
After Fluegge plated McDonald in the third, who reached with his second career three-bagger, the Corsairs cut into the advantage with three runs in the top of the fourth. Talis knocked out his first homer of the season with a two-run shot to right center and then Warden followed with an RBI single.
UMD would pick up one more on another run producing base-knock by Warden to trail 11-8, but the threat was short lived as the Worcester State offense would explode for 12 runs in the sixth and seventh innings as the hosts would walk away with the easy win.
The Lancers, who scored six runs in each frame, were highlighted by a pair of two-run doubles by Fluegge, and two-RBI singles by Gezotis and Eramo, who both drove in their runners in the sixth.
Junior Kyle St. Thomas (Bridgewater, MA) earned his first win of the season as he allowed seven runs (five earned) on nine hits with three walks. St. Thomas (1-2) struck out no one.
The WSU bullpen was solid as they only allowed four hits and one run for the remainder of the contest.
Junior closer Shaun Slattery (Gardner, MA) struck out the side for the fourth time in an inning this season with a perfect ninth as he now has an eye-popping total of 22 strikeouts in 13 innings.
Sophomore Mike St. Martin (Worcester, MA/Doherty) was handed the loss in his fourth start of the year as he tossed 112 pitches in five innings of work. St. Martin (0-1) allowed 11 runs (10 earned) on 11 hits with five walks and two punch-outs. The UMD relief corps allowed the final 12 runs of the contest.
With six doubles this afternoon, Worcester State now has 48 in 18 games for an average of 2.67. Gezotis extended his team-leading hitting streak to 11 contests.
Both teams will entertain conference opponents on Saturday. The Lancers will take on Salem State at New Balance Field at 2 o'clock as UMass Dartmouth will host Keene State at 12 PM.