Mass Maritime Keeps Vikings' Bats at Bay

BUZZARDS BAY, Mass. -- Nolan Kennedy went the distance, allowing just one run on four hits and Brett Velzis went 3-for-4 including a grand slam as Mass Maritime defeated Salem State, 8-1 in a MASCAC series opening win on Thursday at Hendey Field. The Buccaneers are 15-13 overall and 8-4 in conference. The Vikings slip to 13-11 and 6-6 in the MASCAC.

Kennedy had three strikeouts and walked two in improving to 2-0 on the year. Salem State struck first on an RBI single by Antonio Belgrove in the first. Vikings' starter Nolan Currier did not allow a run until the third when AJ Pietrafesa doubled in the first run for the Buccaneers. Currier went 2.2 innings, and was charged with a run on two hits with four walks and two strikeouts. The game remained tied until the sixth when Mass Maritime exploded for five runs, highlighted by Velzis's grand slam. Reliever Bobby Jellison (0-3) took the loss after allowing five runs on three hits with four walks. He also struck out six.

The Buccaneers increased their lead in the seventh on a two-run home run by Jake Quillen, which made the final 8-1.

The two teams will resume their series on Saturday when Salem State will host a doubleheader beginning at noon at The Central Campus Baseball Field.