#13/18 Salve Regina steals win at Worcester State, 7-6

WORCESTER, Mass. – The Worcester State University baseball team suffered a 7-6 ninth inning decision to the visiting Seahawks of Salve Regina University Thursday afternoon on senior day at the Kevin D. Lyons Diamond.

After jumping off to a four-run lead early in the game, the Lancers allowed the visiting Salve Regina Seahawks five runs in the last three innings, including a game-winning run from Zack Smith (New Canaan, Conn. off an RBI double from Christian Vargas (Melbourne, Fla.).

With the win, the No. 13/18 Salve Regina Seahawks advance to 28-5 overall, while the Lancers slide to 13-19.

The Seahawks scored early in the first on an RBI double from Alex Perry (N. Attleboro, Mass.). However, Worcester State fought back and boosted a four-run lead going into the third as they racked up five runs on eight hits in the first two innings of play.

Senior Adam Barry (Auburn, Mass.) registered two RBI in the first inning on a single through the right side, while Lancers' Kevin Larkin (Bristol, Conn.) batted another run in on a single to left center. In the second inning, Barry added another RBI while Seth Leslie (Phillipston, Mass.) sent home Jake Ryan (Northbridge, Mass.) for the 5-1 score.

Salve Regina broke through and picked up another run in the top of the fifth inning when Hunter Sleeper (Arlington, Mass.) hit an RBI grounder, scoring Brody Santilli (Lincoln, R.I.) who had previously reached on a fielder's choice and rounded the bases on steals.

Worcester State matched the Seahawks' run in the bottom of the sixth when Barry walked and picked up his fourth RBI of the game. This would be the Blue and Gold's last run of the game, as Salve Regina came through with the comeback.

Salve Regina's John Militano (Miller Place, N.Y.) began the rally for the Seahawks as he plated Santilli in the top of the seventh on an RBI single to centerfield, putting the score at 6-3.

The Seahawks added another in the top of the eighth when Santilli singled to the right side with runners on the corners, plated Smith for their fourth run of the game.

A huge ninth inning pushed the Seahawks past the Lancers as they scored three runs on two hits. Worcester State's Kyle Baker (Fresno, Calif.) and Luke Brennan (Worcester, Mass.) came in relief and allotted the Seahawks four runs, including the game-winner from Vargas. Worcester State's Sam Allen (Springfield, Mass.) closed out the game on the mound, forcing a Seahawks popup to retire the side.

In the bottom of the ninth, Worcester State's Leslie attained scoring position with one out as he reached on a double to left field. However, Salve Regina's closer, Jonathan Lynch (Cumberland, R.I.) forced two Lancer groundouts to end the game in the Seahawks' favor.

Salve Regina's Brett Wilkes (Franklin Lakes, N.J.) earned the win on the mound as he pitched for 2.2 innings and only allowed one Lancer hit. The Seahawks also saw an impressive performance from Matt Wood (Walpole, N.H.) who went 3.1 innings and only allowed one run on two hits with two strikeouts.

Despite the loss, Worcester State's Barry, Ryan and Leslie saw a great game offensively. Barry went 2-for-4 with a walk and a game-high four RBI, while Ryan and Leslie picked up three hits apiece. Santilli led the Seahawks with three hits, two runs, an RBI and four stolen bases. John Militano (Miller Place, N.Y.) and Zack Smith (New Canaan, Conn.) had two base thefts apiece for a team total of eight on the day.

Next up, the Lancers travel to MCLA on Saturday (Apr. 29) while the Seahawks travel to Curry for a conference matchup on the same date.