Salem State Doubles Up Fighting Scots 8-4

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications

WENHAM, Mass.- Yabdriel Gonzalez (New Haven, Conn.) went 4 for 4 with two extra base hits and one run batted in as Salem State extended their winning streak to six straight with an 8-4 victory over rival Gordon College. The Vikings improve their record to 7-3 while the Fighting Scots drop to 3-12. 

Pitcher Jake Usenia (Uxbridge, Mass.) put on a solid performance to lead Salem State to victory. Usenia pitched 5.2 innings, giving up five hits and three earned runs, out of which two were earned. Colby Galipeau (Charlotte, Vt.), who came on in relief for Gordon College, pitched only an inning, allowing three hits, four runs, and three earned runs in the loss. 

How Did It Happen?

• In the first, Gonzalez hit a pop up towards the pitcher. None of the three infielders near the pitching mound were able to catch it, resulting in a double for Gonzalez. The very next batter, Mark Smith (East Haven, Conn.), took advantage of the situation and hit an opposite field base hit, scoring the first run of the game.
• The Fighting Scots came back in the bottom of the first as  CJ Demers (Sandy Hook, Conn.) delivered a home run to left center field.
• Salem State had runners placed on the corners with James Dolan (Rockland, Mass.) positioned at third base and TJ Beninati (Suffren, N.Y.) at first base. Aidan Lynch (North Andover, Mass.) came up to bat and delivered an opposite field base hit. Fortunately for the Vikings, a fielding error by the right fielder allowed Lynch to advance to third base while both Benianti and Dolan scored, resulting in a 3-1 score in favor of the Vikings. The momentum continued as the team was able to tally two more runs, culminating in a four-run second inning. 
• In the bottom of the inning, the Fighting Scots made an impressive start with consecutive doubles from Robert Dunkle (Trumbull, Conn.) and AJ Figueroa (Wantagh, N.Y.). Later on in the inning, with two outs, Usenia managed to pick off Jonathan McIntyre (Carmel, N.Y.) at first base to bring the inning to an end.
• Usenia, showcased his skills retiring eight out of the final nine batters that he faced. His remarkable performance allowed him to pitch 5.2 innings and contribute significantly to his team's success.
• Lynch hit a solo shot in the eighth to left center field to extend the Vikings' lead 6-3. Salem State wasn't done yet when Owen Duggan (Billerica, Mass.) stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded and delivered a two-run single to extend the Vikings' lead.

Behind The Numbers

• Gonzalez and Lynch went a combined 6 for 8 with three extra base hits and three RBI.
• Demers went 2 for 5 with an RBI and two extra base hits with a double and a home run for the Fighting Scots.
• Kevin Whalen (Lynn, Mass.) was the starting pitcher for Gordon and pitched an inning, giving up two hits, and one run.
• Gordon College opened each inning with a new pitcher.