The Utica College baseball team dropped a conference double header to RIT Thursday losing game one 9-3 and game two 4-2. The Pioneers fall to 7-25 overall and 2-10 in conference play, while the Tigers improve to 16-16 on the season and 5-7 in the Empire 8.

In game one, both teams were scoreless through four innings of play. Sophomore pitcher Adrian Jackson (Philadelphia, PA/Harriton) (Philadelphia, PA) threw four shutout innings for Utica, allowing only three hits, two walks and had two strikeouts. In the top of the fifth, UC loaded the bases with one out and was able to capitalize by scoring its' first run off a sacrifice fly from Ted Krueger (Franklinville, NY/Franklinville) (Franklinville, NY). Utica would score another run in the fifth from a two-out hit from junior lead off Anthony Di Salvo (Washingtonville, NY/Washingtonville) (Washingtonville, NY). RIT answered right back in the bottom half of the inning scoring two runs to tie the game, 2-2. The Pioneers would regain the lead in the top of the sixth, 3-2, off a two out hit from right fielder Angel Zapata (Bronx, NY/Bronx Center for Science and Math) (Bronx, NY). However, the Tigers would counter that with a seven hit, seven run inning as they went on to win 9-3.  Zapata had two hits, one RBI and one run scored for the Pioneers.

In game two, Utica struck first scoring one run in the top of the first. DiSalvo singled to lead off the game and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt from Jeremy Clark (Thorofare, NJ/Woodbury) (Thorofare, NJ). Shortstop Chris Podlucky (Grand Island, NY/Grand Island) (Grand Island, NY) singled in the next at bat to score DiSalvo from second. RIT would score in the bottom of the third to tie the game, 1-1. UC would respond in the top of the fourth with one run to regain the lead, 2-1. Designated hitter Russ Haentges doubled to start the inning and advanced to third on a balk, later scoring off a bunt single from Kevin Oquendo (Caguas, PR). The Tigers put together a two run fifth inning on one hit and two Utica College errors to regain the lead, 3-2. RIT would score one more run in the sixth before closing out the victory, 4-2.

Anthony Di Salvo (Washingtonville, NY/Washingtonville) went a combined 4-for-8 on the day with an RBI and one run scored. Adam Keller (Rome, NY) went 3-for-6 and junior Kevin Oquendo went 2-for-5 with two runs scored and an RBI.

The Pioneers are back in action Saturday as they host conference foe Stevens in a four game series over the weekend to conclude each teams' regular season.

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