Worcester, MA --- Senior Mitch McClune (Pembroke, MA) jacked a sixth inning three-run homer and classmate Sean Minor (Sherman Oaks, CA) tossed 7 1/3 solid innings to push WPI to an 8-2 triumph over city rival Worcester State in non-conference baseball action this afternoon at Rockwood Park.
With the victory the Engineers improve to 12-8 on the season while the Lancers slip to 4-12.
WPI grabbed the 1-0 lead in the first inning as sophomore Tim Erlandson (Hudson, MA) scored on an RBI single into right-center by senior John Flynn (Albion, ME).
Both Minor and WSU starter DJ Colbert (Somersworth, NH) kept the score 1-0 through the next three innings as they allowed a combined four hits.
The Engineers were able to get their offense going in the top of the fifth inning as fourth-year Greg Mannke (Weymouth, MA) hit a double down the left field line on a 3-2 pitch to drive home two runs which pushed the margin to 3-0.
In the top half of the next frame, the Crimson and Gray mustered together a five-run inning, capped off by the McClune towering drive over the right field fence – the first home run at the new Rockwood Park – to push the WPI edge to 8-0. The dinger was the ninth of McClune's career.
The Lancers touched up Minor in the seventh, who had set down 11 of his last 15 batters, as they put together three consecutive base-knocks to begin the frame.
With runners on first and third, freshman Brian O'Connor (West Boylston, MA/St. Peter Marian) hit a single through the right side to score junior Nick Bonofiglio (Worcester, MA/Holy Name) making the score 8-1.
After third-year Nick Gizotis was plunked to load the bases with no outs, Minor buckled down and struck out the next batter and induced an inning-ending double play halting the Lancer's best chance to cut the deficit.
The Blue and Gold tacked on one more run in the following inning as freshman Zachary George (Attleboro, MA) drove home second-year Joseph Carlier (Rockland, MA) after his leadoff double for the final score.
Minor improves to 4-1 on the season for the Engineers in his 17th career victory as he allowed two earned runs while he struck out four and walked no one. First-year Taylor Landry (Kennebunk, ME) pitched 1 2/3 no-hit innings to close out the game after he came into the contest with runners on second and third in the eighth.
Colbert (0-2) was charged with the loss as he went five innings for the Lancers allowing three earned runs on six hits while fanning a pair. Freshman Jared Kuzio (Franklin, MA) hurled four strong innings of scoreless one-hit relief out of the bullpen as he issued two free passes and notched a pair of punch outs to finish the contest.
Flynn and senior Nick Bean (Middleboro, MA) each had a pair of hits for the visitors while Bonofiglio, Carlier and first-year Jeff Bolio (Oxford, MA) each had two base knocks for WSU.
The Blue and Gold finished with the slight 10-9 advantage in the hitting department. Six of the Boynton Hillers nine safeties went for extra bases.
The Lancers will play their third straight game in as many days as they host UMass Boston for a 3:30 start. WPI's next game will be Saturday as they host Brandeis at Assumption College for a 12 PM doubleheader.