Brockport, N.Y. — The Brockport baseball team (20-17, 16-3 E8) fell to Ithaca College, 17-14, in a high-scoring non-conference matchup on Tuesday, April 28. Despite rallying from a six-run deficit to even the score entering the ninth inning, a three-run frame by Ithaca proved decisive in the regional contest.
Cole Grazioplene paced the Golden Eagles' offense with a four-hit performance, going 4-for-5 with three runs scored, one RBI, and three stolen bases.
Matthew Coon delivered a standout effort at the plate, recording three hits, including two home runs, while driving in three runs and scoring three times. Coon extended his on-base streak to 30 games and his hitting streak to 26 games. He now leads Brockport in home runs (9), OPS (1.144), batting average (.366), and slugging percentage (.679).
Evan Brock continued his strong campaign with two hits, two runs scored, and two RBIs, highlighted by his seventh home run of the season. The performance marked his team-leading 14th multi-RBI game of the year.
Ithaca opened the scoring with four runs over the first two innings, taking a 4-0 lead into the bottom of the second. Matt Mayer ignited Brockport's response with a two-run double, cutting the deficit in half. Mayer produced a career-best outing, finishing 3-for-4 with three extra-base hits (two doubles and a home run) and three RBIs.
Brock evened the score in the third inning with a two-run home run, making it 4-4. Ithaca responded with three runs across the fourth and fifth innings to regain a 7-4 advantage. Coon's eighth home run of the season in the bottom of the fifth trimmed the deficit to two runs. After Ithaca added four runs in the sixth, Mayer answered with a solo home run to bring Brockport within five at 11-6.
Following another Ithaca surge in the seventh inning, Brockport mounted a comeback. Coon's second home run of the game cut the deficit, and a passed ball later narrowed the score to 13-9 entering the eighth inning.
Ithaca added a run in the top of the eighth to extend its lead to five, but the Golden Eagles responded with a decisive rally in the bottom half. Timely hitting from Grazioplene, James Dixon, and Blake Fortunato (2 RBI) brought Brockport within one, and a Bomber error tied the game at 14-14.
Ithaca regained control in the ninth inning, plating three runs to secure the 17-14 victory. Connor Furst recorded the final two outs for Brockport, helping limit further damage in the inning.
Brenden Pajak was effective out of the bullpen, allowing just one run over 2.2 innings while striking out three.
Up Next: Brockport returns to Empire 8 play against Utica on Friday, May 1 at 3 p.m. The game will serve as the team's Morgan's Message Game for Mental Health.
