Lancers' late rally sinks Seahawks, 7-6

WORCESTER, Mass. – After falling behind 6-3 within the first six innings of play, the Lancers chipped away at the deficit scoring two runs in the bottom of the 7th and two more in the bottom of the 8th to seal the 7-6 victory. With the win, Worcester State snaps their 10-game losing streak and improves to 11-19 on the season. With the loss, Salve Regina drops to 15-10-1 on the season.

The Seahawks took an early advantage as they scored two runs in the top of the 1st as Ryan Kelly (Waldwick, N.J.) started the game out with a triple to centerfield. John Militano (Miller Place, N.Y.) reached base on a bunt to put the runners on the corners. Next up, Alex Perry (No. Attleboro, Mass.) singled through the left side to score Kelly at the plate. The Seahawks then added another run on a double-steal to move on with the 2-0 lead.

Salve Regina's starting pitcher, Kyle Lefelar (Potomac, Md.), did not allot the Lancers a hit until the bottom of the 3rd when freshman George Bielizna (Danbury, Conn.) hit a rocket over the right field fence for his second career home run, cutting the Seahawks' lead in half (2-1).

The Seahawks answered added another run in the top of the 4th as Brody Santilli (Lincoln, R.I.) hit the team's second triple of the game, plating Tristan Dacey (Wyckoff, N.J.) for the 3-1 benefit. Worcester matched the run to bring the game within one in the bottom of the inning when Kevin Valentine (Milford, Mass.) hit a sacrifice fly to score Mike Ferrara (Northbridge, Mass.).

Salve Regina came out strong with two runs in the top of the 5th as Perry hit an RBI-double, and Zack Smith (New Canaan, Conn.) logged the Seahawks' third double of the game for another RBI. Worcester State chipped in another run in the bottom of the 5th, from where Salve responded with one to advance the score to 6-3.

Worcester State's Adam Barry (Auburn, Mass.) ignited the comeback for the Blue and Gold as he hit an RBI-single to score John Boyd (Worcester, Mass.) in the bottom of the 7th. Mike Powers (Weymouth, Mass.) grounded in another run to close up the gap at 6-5, still in the Seahawks favor.

The Lancers were hungry for a win, and accomplished that task as they scored two runs on a 2-RBI single from Powers, plating Barry and Fraser in the bottom of the 8th to frame the 7-6 victory.

Worcester State's Tyler Barrie (Oxford, Mass.) was entitled to the win as he pitched one inning and did not give up any hits or runs. Boyd registered his first save of the season as he pitched the final ninth inning and did not allow the Seahawks to tie up the score. Salve Regina's closing pitcher, Alex Croce (Rumford, R.I.) suffered the loss as he allowed the game-winning run in the bottom of the 8th.

Salve Regina's Perry led the offense, going 3-for-4 and two RBI. Chris Vargas (Melbourne, Fla.) and Santill batted .667 and .500, respectively. Smith registered both a double and a triple in the game.

For the Lancers, Powers had a game-high three RBI, while Brian Bonacquisti (Pittsfield, Mass.), Jake Ryan (Northbridge, Mass.), and Bielizna all batted at the .500 mark.

The Lancers' next contest is scheduled for tomorrow against UMass Boston on their home field. Game time is set for 3:30 p.m. at the Lyons Diamond. The Seahawks also play tomorrow as they will host Salem State in a non-conference game, starting at 3:30 p.m.