Piroh's Home Run The Difference in Vikings' 2-1 Win Over Bears

SALEM, Mass. – Zach Piroh's (Stratford, Conn.) two-run home run in the first inning proved to be the difference as Salem State opened their three-game Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) series with a 2-1 victory over the Bridgewater State Bears on Thursday afternoon at Alumni Field.

Mason Consigli (Northbridge, Mass.) allowed just one run on six hits with six strikeouts to pick up the victory while handing Bridgewater State their first conference loss.  

The Vikings (12-10, 4-3) scored all of the runs they would need in the first as Jake Boucher (Wallingford, Conn.) led off the game with a base hit to right. One batter later, Piroh launched his sixth home run over the right field fence giving Salem State a 2-0 lead.

Back-to-back singles by Shane Foley (East Bridgewater, Mass.) and Mathew Pigeon (Canton, Mass.) to open the third led to the Bears' (14-8, 6-1) first run as Scott Emerson (Peabody, Mass.) drove in Foley with a sacrifice fly to center.  

Consigli was relieved by Kyle Banche (Torrington, Conn.) in the seventh as Banche and Greg Gentle (Arlington, Mass.) each threw an inning of scoreless relief, recording two strikeouts apiece.

Boucher came on in the ninth and despite a lead-off single to Joey Molis (Cumberland, R.I.), retired the last batter on a strikeout after Molis was caught trying to steal third to earn the save.

Matthew Seavey (North Attleboro, Mass.) took the loss going 7.0 innings and allowing two runs on six hits with four strikeouts.

Cameron Breault (Buzzards Bay, Mass.) pitched a scoreless eight for the Bears.

Tim Catalano (Brewster, N.Y.) had two hits in three at-bats for Salem State.