Generals Take 2 from Spartans
IMAGES FROM TODAY'S GAMES CAN BE FOUND HERE
Cayuga Community College Baseball lost two close home games to nationally-ranked Herkimer College on Saturday, snapping the Spartans' 13-game winning streak.
The doubleheader featuring the top two teams in the NJCAA Region III East Division saw the Generals win a 3-0 opener and a 4-3 nightcap in 10 innings. Cayuga is now 21-7 on the season and 12-4 in divisional play.
Cayuga Coach John Rizzo said the Spartans played well against the Generals, who are ranked second in Region III and ninth nationally in NJCAA Division III.
"I think these games sent a clear message that you're going to have to play well to beat us. We took their best pitching deep into the game, and our pitching and fielding were outstanding," said Rizzo. "We didn't beat ourselves today. We played good fundamental baseball."
The Generals took an early lead in the opener with a two-run first-inning homer, then tacked on another run in the fourth to make it 3-0. Cayuga had runners in scoring position in two innings, but wasn't able to push a run across.
Greg Osterhout allowed three earned runs in 4 2/3 innings, and Keegan Ferris threw 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief. Hazel Martinez and Tyler Korsky both went two-for-three.
In the second game, Luke Ough's single gave the Spartans a 1-0 lead in the second inning, but the Generals tied it in the third. Pitchers on both teams then hurled zeroes until the ninth, when the Generals scored two to make it 3-1.
Down two, Cayuga's Mike Norton singled and advanced to third on a two-out single by Caleb Delly. The Spartans loaded the bases after Ough was hit by a pitch, and centerfielder Alex Wurster lined the first pitch he saw into the right field corner, plating Norton and Delly. Ough was thrown-out at home on a close play, sending the game to the 10th tied at 3. The Generals scored once, and Cayuga wasn't able to rally again.
Will Coleman allowed one run in four innings, and Leroy Glaum threw four scoreless innings in relief. Wurster was two-for-three with a double and two RBI. Delly, Norton and Logan Sheasgreen each collected hits for Cayuga, with Norton scoring twice.
The Spartans travel to Herkimer for a doubleheader on Sunday, May 1. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.