Vikings Three-Run Ninth Topples Falcons

FITCHBURGH, Mass. -- Andrew McLaughlin (Peabody, Mass.) pitched eight strong innings and Matt Marquez (Salem, Mass.) went 3-for-3 as Salem State scored three runs in the top of the ninth to secure a 7-5 win over Fitchburg State at Riccards Field. McLaughlin left with one out in the ninth in picking up his sixth win of the season against zero defeats. The righty gave up four runs on 12 hits with six strikeouts.

Fitchburg State took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first when freshman Vincent Eramo (Shirley, Mass.) singled to shortstop to bring home sophomore Nicholas Cordeau (Melrose, Mass.) before Salem State grabbed a 4-1 margin in the top half of the fifth as freshman Luke Eggers (Duxbury, Mass.) laced a two-run single to left, while sophomore Sean Rebello (Bellingham, Mass.)added an RBI single.

The Falcons knotted the score (4-4) in the eighth with junior Joshua Macomber (Berkley, Mass.) and classmate Matthew Pingitore (Rutland, Mass.) connection on run scoring singles, but the Vikings answered back as sophomore Tim Catalano (Brewster, Mass.), Rebello and senior Brendan Greene Winchester, Mass.) registered  RBI base knocks to give the visitors a 5-4 edge, resulting in the 7-5 final.

Joshua Bell (Uxbridge, Mass.) pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his first save of the year. Richard Sharp (Townsend, Mass.) was solid for Fitchburg State, allowing four runs (3 earned) on seven hits with six K's in 7.2 innings in a no decision. Macomber led the way for the Falcons, going 2-for-4 with one run scored and two RBI. Pingitore added three hits and one RBI for the Green and Gold.