BROCKPORT, NY - The Brockport Baseball team (2-11) came up short in doubleheader action against Eastern Connecticut State (5-2) from Davenport, FL on Sunday, March 15th. Despite an strong afternoon from the Brockport pitching staff, the Golden Eagles would fall in a pair of one-run matchups.
Game One: Eastern Connecticut State 3 - Brockport 2
The Golden Eagles would strike first in game one, with
Cole Grazioplene ripping an RBI single to score
Evan Brock in the bottom of the second. The Warriors would respond in the top of the third, plating two runs off a triple and an RBI groundout to take a 2-1 lead. Brockport's pitching staff would keep the squad within striking distance, with
Tyler Pohlman and
Charles Searle combining for five shutout frames entering the ninth inning. Pohlman (5.2 IP, 2ER) and Searle (3.1 IP, 1ER) were strong despite the loss, each collecting three strikeouts.
In the top of the ninth, Eastern Connecticut plated a crucial insurance run, taking a two-run lead with an RBI single (3-1). Despite a
Matthew Coon RBI double in the bottom of the ninth, the Green and Gold would strand Coon at second, seeing the Warriors secure a 3-2 win.
Four of Brockport's six hits went for extra bases, with
Blake Fortunato,
Kyle Blake,
Evan Brock, and
Matthew Coon all slugging doubles.
Game Two: Eastern Connecticut State 5 - Brockport 4
Much like game one, the Golden Eagles would strike first, seeing
Steven Merkel score
Josh Indek on a RBI groundout in the top of the first. Following three scoreless frames from
Bryce Tyndell,
Evan Brock would connect for an RBI single in the fourth, scoring Merkel to put Brockport ahead 2-0. Tyndell provided a career-best outing, tossing four scoreless innings with two strikeouts while allowing just three hits.
A big fifth inning would put Eastern Connecticut ahead, with the Warriors plating four runs in the bottom to jump ahead 4-2. The Golden Eagles would begin to chip away at the lead in the seventh inning, with
William Coreno scoring
James Dixon to bring Brockport within one (4-3).
A familiar connection would tie up the game for Brockport, scoring the tying run in the eighth inning.
Evan Brock would score Steven Merkle once again, this time on a sacrifice fly in the top of the inning to knot the game up 4-4.
Following a scoreless top of the ninth for Brockport, Eastern Connecticut would walk the Golden Eagles off in the ninth, ripping a RBI single for the 5-4 win.
James Dixon had an excellent game two, finishing two-for-three at the plate with a walk and a run scored.
Steven Merkel led the Golden Eagles offensively, reaching base safely three times (2-3, HBP) with two runs scored and an RBI.
Brenden Pajak was dominant out of the bullpen, tossing 3.1 innings of scoreless baseball with three strikeouts.
Up Next: Baseball will enjoy a rest day before taking on #3-ranked John Hopkins from Auburndale, FL on Tuesday, March 17th at 1:30 pm.
