Baseball drops twin slate to Westfield Owls

Westfield, MA – The Fitchburg State baseball team fell behind early and could not recover as the Falcons dropped an 11–3 decision to Westfield State in MASCAC action. The Falcons also dropped its second game of the day to Westfield State, falling by an 8–3 final.

How it Happened

Final scores:

Game 1: Fitchburg 3, Westfield 11 

Game 2: Fitchburg 3, Westfield 8

Records: Fitchburg (3-15, 1-5) Westfield (5-14, 2-4) 

Game 1

Westfield State used a decisive seven-run second inning to seize control and never looked back, improving to 4-14 overall and 1-4 in conference play, while Fitchburg State slipped to 3-14 overall and 1-4 in the MASCAC. The Owls capitalized on defenisive miscues and timely hitting in the second frame, scoring seven runs on five hits, aided by a pair of Fitchburg errors. RBI hits from Sam Palmer, Nick Lenfest, and Chase Racine highlighted the outburst, giving the hosts a commanding 7-0 advantage. Westfield State continued to build on its lead with single runs in the third and a three-run fourth inning, extending the margin to 11-0. Kaen Smith delivered a key two-RBI single in the fourth, while Connor Benvenuto later drew a bases-loaded walk to cap the scoring.

Fitchburg State broke through in the sixth inning, plating three runs. Senior infielder Joseph Abt (Newbury, MA) and senior catcher Maxwell Riordan (Pepperell, MA) each crossed the plate following an error, while sophomore outfielder Ruairi Rago (Port Jefferson, NY) recorded the Falcons' lone RBI with a single to left that scored sophomore infielder Tyler Fonck (Milford, CT). Rago (Port Jefferson, NY), Fonck (Milford, CT), freshman infielder Erick Dawson (Mattapoisett, MA), senior catcher Joshua Googins (Braintree, MA), Abt (Newbury, MA), and Riordan (Pepperell, MA) each registered one hit for Fitchburg State in the setback.

On the mound, senior William Ernst (Worcester, MA) took the loss, allowing seven runs (five earned) on seven hits over two innings of work. Sophomore Marco Carrillo (Newbury, MA) tossed two innings in relief, surrendering four runs, while freshman Thomas Watts (Foxboro, MA) provided a bright spot with two scoreless innings and two strikeouts to close the game. Westfield State starter Griffin Pollard earned the win, holding the Falcons to just two hits over five shutout innings while striking out four. 

Game 2

Westfield State once again struck early, capitalizing on a Fitchburg State error in the first inning to take a 1-0 lead. The Owls added single runs in the second, third, and fourth frames—using a combination of sacrifice flies and timely hitting—to build a 4-0 advantage.

Fitchburg State responded in the fifth inning, cutting into the deficit with two runs. Senior catcher Maxwell Riordan (Pepperell, MA) drove in senior outfielder Casey Bellew (Beverly, MA) with a single to right, while sophomore infielder Tyler Fonck (Milford, CT) followed with an RBI single up the middle to score senior infielder Joseph Abt (Newbury, MA) and make it a 4-2 contest.

However, Westfield State answered immediately in the bottom half of the inning, erupting for four runs to extend the lead to 8-2. Chase Racine highlighted the rally with a two-RBI single, while Nick Gouveia and Sam Palmer also contributed RBI hits. The Falcons plated their final run in the sixth inning when junior outfielder Jason Kelly (East Bridgewater, MA) brought home freshman utility player Nathaniel Badzmierowski (Uxbridge, MA) on a fielder's choice.

Offensively, Fitchburg State totaled nine hits on the day. Abt (Newbury, MA) and Riordan (Pepperell, MA) each recorded two hits, while Fonck (Milford, CT) also added a pair of hits and an RBI. Bellew (Beverly, MA), senior catcher Joshua Googins (Braintree, MA), and junior Liam Currier (Charlestown, RI) each chipped in with a hit in the setback.

On the mound, sophomore Owen Corcoran (Stafford, VA) was tagged with the loss, allowing two runs (one earned) over two innings while issuing four walks. Freshman Ryan DiSano (Suwanee, GA) provided 1.2 innings of relief, while senior Pete Joslyn (Holden, MA) and junior Jack Castrichini (Peabody, MA) combined to allow four runs in the pivotal fifth inning. Freshman Luke Charron (Millbury, MA) closed out the game with 1.1 scoreless innings. Westfield State's Ryan Peters earned the win, while AJ Moore picked up the save.

With the loss, the Falcons move to 3-15 overall and 1-5 in conference play, while the Owls improve to 5-14 overall and 2-4 in the MASCAC. 

By the numbers

• Fitchburg State totaled 15 hits across the doubleheader, including nine in Game 2.
• The Falcons scored six runs on the day, with three runs in each contest.
• The Falcons allowed seven runs in the second inning of Game 1, which proved to be the decisive frame.
• Fitchburg State surrendered four runs in the fifth inning of Game 2 to break the game open.
• Joseph Abt (Newbury, MA), Maxwell Riordan (Pepperell, MA), and Tyler Fonck (Milford, CT) each recorded two hits in Game 2.
• The Falcons committed four errors on the day, leading to multiple unearned runs.
• Fitchburg State pitching issued 11 walks across both games.
• Thomas Watts (Foxboro, MA) and Luke Charron (Millbury, MA) combined for 3.0 scoreless innings in relief.

Up Next

Fitchburg State will look to regroup as it continues MASCAC play in its next outing against MCLA in their home opener Friday, scheduled for 3 and 5 PM first pitches. 

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