Vikings Win MASCAC Opener

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications

SALEM, Mass. -- Antonio Belgrove (Stamford, Conn.) and Aidan Lynch (North Andover, Mass.) combined for six RBI to give Salem State a 12-5 Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) victory over Fitchburg State on Friday afternoon at The Central Campus Baseball Field. The Vikings are now 8-4, 1-0 while the Falcons drop 5-12,0-1.

How Did It Happen?

• Fitchburg State managed to take the lead in the first, courtesy of Adam Koza's  (Windham, N.H.) RBI single. 
• The Vikings gained momentum and managed to score two runs in the second inning when Belgrove hit a double to the right field, allowing Jake Boucher (Wallingford, Conn.)  and Edward Field (Gloucester, Mass.) to cross home plate.
• The Vikings extended their lead in the third by scoring three more runs which was highlighted when Lynch, hit a triple towards the right field gap, which brought home Boucher and Field. The Vikings had a four-run lead.
• In the fourth inning, Fitchburg State managed to add a run to the scoreboard. However, Salem State during the bottom of the same inning added runs on hits by Field and Boucher.  
• The Falcons managed to put three more runs on the board in the fifth, narrowing the deficit to just two runs by a score of 7-5. The highlight of the inning was Jacob Hurrell's (Haverhill, Mass.) double, which brought home two runs.
• During the seventh and eighth innings, Salem State scored five runs combined, which was highlighted by James Dolan's (Rockland, Mass.) ground rule double to extend the lead to 12-3.

Behind The Numbers?

• Koza and Hurrell went 3 for 8 with 4 runs batted in for the Falcons.
• For Salem State Belgrove and Lynch combined went 3 for 8 with 6 runs batted in
• Joseph Hartnett (North Attleboro, Mass.) Fitchburg's starter was the losing pitcher giving up seven earned runs in four innings pitched.
• Kyle Banche (Torrington, Conn.) pitched a 4.2 innings giving up two hits and a walk to earn the win.
• Mark Smith (East Haven, Conn.) recorded two stolen bases during the game as he is now 14 for 14 in stolen base opportunities and has recorded at least a hit in 10 of the 12 games that he has played this season. 
• James Dolan extended his hitting streak to five straight. 

What's Next?

• Salem State will travel to Fitchburg St. on Monday, April 1 for a Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) doubleheader at 3:30 pm.