Worcester, MA --- Senior Johno Hinkell (North Adams, MA) delivered a pinch-hit, three-run, walk-off homer to help lead Worcester State past Nichols, 9-8, in non-conference baseball action this afternoon at Assumption's Rocheleau Field.
With the win the Lancers improve to 13-9 overall while the Bison slip to 6-14. WSU now leads the all-time series, 26-19, as the two squads renewed their local rivalry.
Nichols led 8-3 in the bottom of the ninth before the Blue and Gold staged a six-run inning. Senior Corey McDonald (Hudson, MA) and classmate Nick Fluegge (Ware, MA) got things going for the hosts when they both reached on singles. Junior Tyler McElman (Marlboro, MA) followed with an RBI double and then sophomore Chris Creen (Worcester, MA/St. Johns) made the second out with a sacrifice fly.
With Worcester State down by three (8-5) and their backs up against the wall, junior Kyle Wilson (Norwich, CT) singled in McElman and then senior pinch-hitter Paul Rodriguez (San Antonio, TX) laced a single to center to bring on Hinkell. With a 2-1 count, Hinkell then slammed his 15th career homer for a clutch three-run stroke to help give the Lancers the come-from-behind win.
The Lancers originally led 1-0 when sophomore Kurt Sabacinski (Worcester, MA/St. Peter-Marian) plated junior Joe Eramo (Shirley, MA) in the bottom of the second.
Nichols responded in the top of the third and knotted the score 1-1 on an RBI single by sophomore Anthony Benvenuti (N. Haven, CT).
In the fourth and fifth innings, the Bison took over a commanding 7-1 lead when they scored six runs with two outs and took advantage of Lancer miscues in each frame.
Junior Jarred Stuczynski (Whitinsville, MA) highlighted the fourth with a two-run double before senior Chris Nemeskal (Swampscott, MA) and classmate Mat Whitman (N. Plainfield, NJ) each notched run-producing base-knocks in the fifth.
Nichols crossed the plate one more time in the sixth on an RBI single by senior George Sergi (Blackstone, MA).
Worcester State responded in the bottom of the sixth as they made the score 8-3 when Sabacinski and McDonald each drove in runs.
Making his first career appearance, freshman Chris Bruno (Darien, CT) hurled a scoreless seventh and eighth for Nichols before he ran into trouble in the bottom of the ninth. Senior Scott Leecock (Palmer, MA) was tagged with the setback for the visitors as he allowed the go-ahead homer to Hinkell. Leecock is now 0-2 on the season.
Junior Andrew Letellier (Saco, ME) and senior Daniel Vreeland (Becket, MA) both pitched well for Nichols as the pair pitched three innings apiece and held WSU to three runs on seven hits. They also walked two batters each and combined to hit three batters.
After the Bison took over the 8-1 lead in the top of the seventh, junior Kyle St. Thomas (Bridgewater, MA) sophomore Matt Brown (Brookfield, MA) and Creen would combine for three scoreless frames to give WSU the chance to rally. Creen improves his record to 1-0 in three appearances.
Freshman Michael Goulden (Rehoboth, MA) started the game for the Lancers as he was relieved by St. Thomas in the fifth. Goulden and St. Thomas allowed eight runs (two earned) on eight hits as they both combined for three strikeouts and a trio of free passes.
Worcester State committed a season-high five miscues while out slugging Nichols, 14-10.
McDonald, Fluegge, McElman, Wilson and Sabacinski all had two hits each for WSU as Sabacinski knocked in two. Sergi and Whitman each had a pair of base knocks for the Bison while Stuczynski finished with two RBIs.
Oddly enough, Nichols scored all eight runs with two outs. Prior to the bottom of the ninth, the Lancers had a frustrating day at the plate as they left nine runners on – including five in scoring position – as the visitors also turned a pair of double plays.
With two doubles today, the Lancers now have 56 doubles in 22 games. On Sunday, the Blue and Gold were 10th in the NCAA Division III in average two-baggers with an astounding mean of 2.6 per game.
Both teams will entertain conference opponents on Saturday at noon. Worcester State takes on MCLA at Tivnan Field at Lake Park in a MASCAC battle as the Bison look to improve their Commonwealth Coast Conference mark against Gordon.