Falcons outlast Owls with late push for first conference win

Fitchburg, MA – The Fitchburg State baseball team leaned on an explosive first inning and timely late-game execution to secure an 8–7 victory over Westfield State in MASCAC action on Wednesday evening, earning their first conference win of the season.

The Basics

Final: Fitchburg State 8, Westfield State 7
Records: Fitchburg State (3-10, 1-0), Westfield State (3-11, 0-1)

How it Happened

Fitchburg State controlled the tempo from the outset and showed poise in key moments throughout, using a combination of timely hitting, aggressive baserunning, and steady bullpen work to secure the 8–7 conference victory. The Falcons were intentional in their approach at the plate all afternoon, consistently putting pressure on Westfield State's defense and capitalizing on opportunities when they arose.

The Falcons erupted for five runs in the opening frame, sending an early message. Jason Kelly (East Bridgewater, MA) ignited the rally at the top of the order, while Joseph Abt (Newbury, MA) helped set the table before Maxwell Riordan (Pepperell, MA) delivered the big swing with a two-run triple to right center. Fitchburg continued to apply pressure as Tyler Fonck (Milford, CT) followed with an RBI single, and both Casey Bellew (Beverly, MA) and Ruairi Rago (Port Jefferson, NY) came through with run-scoring hits to cap off a dominant inning and give the Falcons a 5–0 advantage.

Even as Westfield State answered with a four-run second inning and continued to battle back, Fitchburg's offense remained active. The Falcons added runs in both the second and third innings, with Brady Campbell (Sandwich, MA) driving in a run and Abt picking up another RBI knock. Fitchburg also stayed aggressive on the basepaths, as Kelly, Abt, Fonck, Bellew, Rago, and Nathaniel Badzmierowski (Uxbridge, MA) each recorded stolen bases, consistently moving into scoring position and keeping pressure on the defense. After Westfield State eventually tied the game at 7–7 in the seventh, Fitchburg once again responded with composure. In the bottom of the eighth, Kelly sparked the offense once more, reaching base and advancing into scoring position. The Falcons executed in a key situational moment, as Abt delivered the go-ahead RBI on a groundout, bringing home what would stand as the game-winning run.

On the mound, Fitchburg showed resilience as well. Starter William Ernst (Worcester, MA) worked through traffic across 6.2 innings, competing through a high-hit outing to keep the Falcons within striking distance. Out of the bullpen, Ryan DiSano (Suwanee, GA) provided a crucial lift, tossing 1.2 innings of scoreless relief while allowing just one hit and striking out two to earn the win. Pete Joslyn (Holden, MA) then entered in the ninth and calmly closed things out, retiring the final two batters to secure the save.

By the Numbers

• Joseph Abt: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, walk, stolen base
• Maxwell Riordan: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, triple, 2 runs scored, walk
• Brady Campbell: 2-for-4, RBI
• Jason Kelly: 2-for-4, run scored, stolen base
• Tyler Fonck: 1-for-3, RBI, sacrifice bunt, stolen base
• Casey Bellew: 1-for-2, RBI, run, walk, stolen base
• Ruairi Rago: 1-for-4, RBI, stolen base
• Joshua Googins: 2 runs scored, walk
• William Ernst: 6.2 IP, 13 H, 7 ER
• Win: Ryan DiSano (1-1) – 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 2 K
• Save: Pete Joslyn (1) – 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 ER

Up Next

Fitchburg State will look to build on the strong conference start as they continue MASCAC play with a 3 game slate at Bridgewater State Friday and Saturday. 

Stay Connected

For the latest on Fitchburg State University Athletics, follow the Falcons via social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.