Vikings Top Colonels

MILTON, Mass. -- Zach Piroh launched his MASCAC leading 8th home run and five Salem State pitchers allowed just five hits as Salem State topped Curry 4-1 on Sunday. The Vikings improve to 14-15 on the year while the Colonels go to 10-18.

Piroh added a two-run shot in the first, scoring Tim Catalano, who had doubled, giving Salem State a 2-0 lead off starter Jack Needham. The Colonels cut the deficit to 2-1 in the bottom of the inning on an RBI single by Brandon Polanco. Chris Smith started for Salem State and went three innings, allowing just a run on one hit with a strikeout and a pair of walks. The Vikings extended their lead to 3-1 in the seventh on a sinlgle to center by EJ Field. Needham, who took the loss, lasted 6.2 innings and was charged with three runs on three hits with four strikeouts. 

Matthew Casare plated Piroh with a single to left for an insurance run on the eighth. Trevor Xenos replaced Smith in the fourth, earning his first win as he went 2.1 innings, giving up just two hits and a walk. Brad Feeder and Carl Beatrice pitched 2.2 innings of scoreless relief, setting up Bobby Jellison, who retried the side in the ninth for his first career save.  

Catalano and Jellison each went 2-for-4 at the plate for the Vikings.