PITTSFORD, NY (April 5,2009) - The Utica College baseball team lost both ends of a double header against host St. John Fisher College in Empire 8 Conference play at Dugan Yard Sunday. The Pioneers lost game one 14-0, before falling 6-5 in game two.

With the pair of losses UC drops to 2-9 overall on the year and 0-2 in conference play, while Fisher improved to 13-6 overall with a 4-2 conference mark. The Pioneers drop to a 2-12 record against the Cardinals in the past four years, losing six consecutive games dating back to last year.

In the first inning of game one Fisher jumped out to an early lead scoring four runs. After the first two batters walked, designated hitter Steve Karnyski hit a two RBI double giving the Cardinals a 2-0 lead with nobody out. After two wild pitches and a hit batter the score was 3-0 with a man on second. First baseman Jon Gibbs then hit a RBI double down the left field line finishing off the first inning scoring for the Cardinals.

Fisher was able to score one or more runs in each inning compiling 14 runs on 17 hits, which proved to be too much for the Pioneers. Steve Karnyski went five for five grabbing four RBIs and three runs to the lead the Cardinals in game one.

Cardinal's pitcher Dan Jurik threw 5 1/3 shutout innings striking out three and giving up eight hits. Senior Brandon Sleezer picked up the loss pitching 3 1/3 innings giving up nine runs on 10 hits and striking out one.

In game two, UC was able to post three runs in the top of the second after right fielder Russ Haentges blasted a double scoring Adam Bittel and Chris Hine. Freshman Jon Grogan then singled through the left side advancing Haentges to third. With two men on, Anthony DiSalvo grounded into a double play scoring the third run of the inning for the Pioneers. The Cardinals answer back in the bottom of the inning cutting the lead to one after Jared Tiffin and Matt Klock both picked up an RBI.

UC was able to score two more runs in the fifth and sixth inning heading into the bottom of the seventh inning with a 5-3 lead. The Cardinals would rally back with three runs in the bottom of the seventh after a Pioneer pitching change. Phil Pettinella singled through the right side scoring two runs tying the score at five. Kevin Wing was able to score the winning run on a fielder's choice scoring John Quartironi, securing the victory for the Cardinals.

Russ Haentges went 3-for-6 with two RBIs on the day, while senior Mike Sadallah pitched six innings and allowed three runs in the game two loss. Sophomore Sean Fisher picked up his second loss of the season pitching only 2/3 of an inning giving up three runs. Junior Andrew Van Slyke pitched a complete game for Fisher giving up five runs on eight hits, striking out three.

The Pioneers return to action on Friday when they host Ithaca College in Empire 8 action. The game will be played at Delutis Field in Rome, NY where first pitch is set for 7 p.m.


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