DAVENPORT, FL -  On the evening of March 8th, the Utica Baseball team played its second RussMatt Invitational game, taking an 8-1 loss against a strong Washington and Jefferson side that was receiving votes in both of the Division III Baseball rankings polls entering the matchup. 

The Presidents had strong at-bats against the Pioneer pitching, pulling away for a convincing win after the score was 3-1 for most of the contest.

Jacob Scalise (Utica, NY/Whitesboro) led the way offensively for the Pioneers, going 2-5 and driving in the only Pioneer run. Mike Rockwell (Liverpool, NY/Cicero) also had two bunt singles, and Tanner Warren (Mohawk, NY/Central Valley Academy) scored the lone run in his return to the Pioneer lineup.

Brady Leichtman (Bay Shore, NY/St. John the Baptist Diocesan) got the start for the Pioneers, taking the loss while going four innings and surrendering two hits, four runs (one earned), and six walks, but striking out two President batters. He was followed up by Matthew Prestopnik (Little Falls, NY/Little Falls High School), who went two innings, giving up five hits, three earned runs, two walks, and striking out one. Dean Ennis (Middle Island, NY/Longwood) finished out the rest of the game, going three innings, allowing three hits, one run, four walks, and striking out three. 

The Pioneers' record goes to 4-2, and the squad will go right back at it for a doubleheader today, March 9th, against the University of Rochester. Game times are set for 3:30 PM and 5:30 PM at Chain of Lakes Park in Winter Haven, Florida.