ALFRED, NY – The Utica University baseball team got back to its winning ways on Friday afternoon during its first-ever contest up on Saxon Hill. The team rode the momentum produced by their young stars, most notably freshman infielder
Ryan Smith (Wappingers Falls, NY/Beacon High School), who managed to put together a three-hit, three-RBI outing to push the team to an 11-4 win in the series opener.
The Pioneers wasted no time setting the tone, striking early in the first inning. Smith jump-started the offense with a triple to right center, and
Mike Rockwell (Liverpool, NY/Cicero) followed by launching a two-run home run to left field to give the Pioneers a quick 2-0 lead.
After adding another run in the third on a sacrifice fly from Smith—who continues to be one of Utica's most consistent offensive producers this season—the Pioneers found themselves trailing midway through the game. Alfred plated two runs in the third and two more in the fourth to take a 4-3 advantage.
Utica responded in the sixth inning with a key rally. Smith and Rockwell each reached base to set the table before
Ty Montrose (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) worked a walk to load the bases.
Matthew Paolucci (Toronto, Ontario/Silverthorn Collegiate Institute) was then hit by a pitch to bring home the tying run, and
Lance Berger (Lindenhurst, NY/Saint Anthony's) followed with an RBI fielder's choice to give the Pioneers a 5-4 lead.
The Pioneers broke the game open in the seventh inning. After
Micah Fiorello (Brooktondale, NY/Ithaca)—who also had a standout day at the plate—reached base, Utica capitalized on multiple Alfred miscues. Montrose drove in a run after being hit by a pitch, Paolucci added another RBI on a fielder's choice, and the Pioneers tacked on a third run in the frame to extend the lead to 8-4.
Utica added insurance late, highlighted by a three-run ninth inning. With the bases loaded, Smith delivered a clutch two-run single, finishing the day 3-for-5 with three RBIs. Fiorello tied for the team lead with three hits and also scored a team-high three runs, while Rockwell added two hits, two RBIs, and scored three times.
On the mound,
Michael Flint (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) got the start, striking out five over 4.1 innings while allowing four runs.
Brendan Berry (Cranford, NJ/Cranford) was outstanding in relief, tossing 3.2 scoreless innings to earn the win and improve to 2-0 on the season.
Ty Montrose (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) closed out the final inning, striking out two to seal the victory.
Utica totaled 10 hits in the contest and took advantage of five hit-by-pitches and multiple Alfred errors, showcasing a disciplined and opportunistic offensive approach throughout the game.
The Pioneers improved to 11-7 with the victory and moved to 3-2 in the Empire 8. They'll have a chance to build on that record with a doubleheader against the Saxons tomorrow to close out the series. Game one gets underway at 12:00 PM from Alfred, New York.
