Vikings, Owls Split Doubleheader

SALEM, Mass. -- Salem State and Westfield State split a pair of 3-2 games in MASCAC doubleheader action on Monday at The Central Campus Baseball Field. The Owls behind a strong pitching performance from Sean Shea in game one, won 3-2 before the Vikings countered with a 3-2 victory in game two behind the arm of Nick Bamforth. Salem State is now 8-12 and 4-5 in the MASCAC while Westfield State goes to 17-8 and 4-5 in conference.  

How It Happened:

Game 1

Owls starter Sean McNamara allowed two runs on two hits in four innings with three strikeouts and seven walks before giving way to Shea, who picked up the win in relief throwing two scoreless innings without allowing a hit. Michael Hall picked up the save in an inning of work. Robison Baez was 2-for-4 with a double, home run, run and RBI.

Salem State's Cam Fisher took the loss despite giving up just three runs - two earned with five strikeouts and a walk. Jake Boucher was 2-for-4 with an RBI.

• Baez led-off the game with a home run that bounced off the top of the left-center field fence for a 1-0 Westfield State lead. Devin Slattery's RBI single made it 2-0 in favor of the Owls later in the inning.
• Salem State tied the game in the fourth, taking advantage of five walks in the inning as a passed ball scored the first run before Jake Boucher added a sacrifice fly, making it 2-2.
• Westfield State regained the lead in the sixth on a pinch-hit double to deep left-center by Justin Neidel.  
• Hall allowed a leadoff single in the seventh before retiring the side for his fifth save.

 Game 2

Bamforth threw a complete game for the Vikings, scattering seven hits while allowing two run with seven strikeouts. Owen Duggan was 1-for-3 with an RBI. 

Charlie Walsh took the loss after starter Colton Vasseur went 5.1 innings, allowing three runs - one earned - on three hits with six strikeouts and three walks. Dan Burnett went 2-for-3 with two RBI for Westfield State.

• Burnett put the Owls in front, 1-0 with an RBI single in the first.
• Michael Buccaro tied the game with an RBI groundout in the second.
• Burnett lined a single to left in the fifth to give Westfield State a 2-1 lead.
• However, Salem State rallied for two runs in the sixth as Connor Dolan and Duggan each hit back-to-back singles with men in scoring position, giving the Vikings a 3-2 come-from-behind win.

 Salem State is back in action tomorrow against Framingham State at Alumni Field @ 3:30 pm.