Worcester State Doubles Up Salem State 6-3

WORCESTER, Mass. -- Worcester State opened up conference play with a 6-3 win over Salem State on Friday at Kevin D. Lyons Field with the Vikings slated as the home team. Starting pitcher Ben Smith, who allowed just two runs over seven innings, helped the Lancers improve to 5-10 and 1-0 in the MASCAC. The Vikings slip to 2-12 and 0-1.  

Worcester State scored twice in the first inning on an RBI groundout by Alex Sorenti-Burns and a single by Zack Roberts. The Lancers added another pair of runs in the fourth after a sacrifice fly by Aaron Siegal and another run-scoring base hit by Roberts. Single runs by Worcester State in the fifth and sixth innings extended the lead to 6-0 as Smith continued his mastery on the mound. 

Smith ran into trouble in the bottom of the sixth as Jake Boucher hit a one-out single and EJ Field walked, putting two runners on, but a flyout and Smith's fourth strikeout ended the threat.

Vikings starting pitcher Bobby Jellison was charged with six runs -- three earned on 10 hits with three strikeouts in six in innings of work before being relieved by Brad Feeder in the seventh.   

Chris Simone led off the bottom of the seventh with a double for Salem State and Conor Dolan followed with a walk. A balk moved both runners up, before Brahiam Ortega smashed a double, scoring both runners. However, Smith worked out of further trouble as the Lancers exited the inning with a 6-2 lead.

The Vikings added another run in the ninth on a fielding error, but Jared Kapurch closed out the game for his first save of the season. Smith (1-0) earned the win, giving up five hits while walking four. 

Feeder struck out five while only allowing a hit in three innings of work for Salem State.