Six-run sixth propels Seahawks past Scots

NEWPORT, R.I. - Zack Smith's (New Canaan, Conn.) solo homer to lead off the bottom of the sixth sparked a six-run inning for the Salve Regina University baseball team as it defeated Gordon College 8-2, eliminating the Scots, and advancing to the next round of the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) tournament.

Gordon led at two different points in the game. First when John Lagerfeld (Stratford, Conn.) hit a solo home run in the top of the first and then in the third when an RBI groundout for Daniel Quint (Wells, Maine.) gave the visitors a 2-1 lead.

An Anthony Cieszko (Woodcliff Lake, N.J.) single in the bottom of the fourth evened the score before the Seahawks exploded for six runs in the bottom of the sixth to break the game open.

Zack Smith led off the inning with a solo homer to break the tie which woke up the Seahawks bats. With bases loaded the Seahawks struck for four separate singles collectively driving in five more runs and chasing Scots starting pitcher Derek Hudson (Hudson, N.H.) who finished the day with five strikeouts on 118 pitches through five and a third innings of work.

Seahawks starter Zach Lopez (New Caanan, Conn.) went the distance, slinging 105 pitches, collecting six strikeouts, and his first collegiate victory.

Salve Regina (22-15) will travel to Springfield, Mass., for a rematch with Nichols College in another elimination game for both teams. Gordon (10-28) sees its season come to a close.