Pittsford, NY – The Brockport baseball team (12–13, 8–0 E8) secured a pivotal Empire 8 victory on Wednesday, defeating St. John Fisher (17–6, 6–2 E8) by a score of 9–4. Backed by dominant pitching and timely hitting, the Golden Eagles extended their winning streak to 10 games while remaining undefeated in conference play.
Ben Yerina (W, 3–2) delivered a strong start, allowing just two earned runs over 4.2 innings while striking out six. The outing marked his third consecutive start with six strikeouts, as he has earned victories in all three appearances and allowed only two earned runs across his last 18.2 innings.
Nick Ianniello was outstanding in extended relief, holding the Cardinals scoreless over the final 4.1 innings. He surrendered just one hit while recording one strikeout to secure the win.
Brockport's offense set the tone early, scoring five runs over the first three innings. In the top of the first, Josh Indek crossed the plate on a Michael Norton RBI groundout before James Dixon delivered a clutch two-RBI single to give the Golden Eagles a 3–0 lead. In the second inning, Matt Mayer added an RBI single to score Evan Brock, extending the advantage.
After allowing a run in the bottom of the second, Brockport responded in the third as Dixon recorded his team-leading third RBI of the game with a groundout, bringing home Norton to make it 5–1. Following a scoreless fourth inning, St. John Fisher rallied in the fifth.
The Cardinals plated three runs in the inning, cutting the deficit to 5–4, highlighted by a two-RBI double from Austin Droge. Brockport answered decisively, scoring the game's final four runs, including three in the sixth inning. Mayer contributed a sacrifice fly before Cole Grazioplene delivered a two-RBI double to restore a four-run cushion.
Michael Norton later added a sacrifice fly to extend the lead to five, and Ianniello closed out the game by retiring the final three batters in the ninth inning to seal the 9–4 victory.
Cole Grazioplene led the offensive effort, going 2-for-4 with two doubles, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Josh Indek continued to bolster his team-leading on-base percentage, finishing 1-for-3 with two walks and two runs scored.
The Golden Eagles consistently pressured the Cardinals' pitching staff, tallying 16 baserunners on nine hits, five walks, and two hit-by-pitches.
Up Next: Brockport travels to SUNY Poly for a three-game series beginning Friday, April 10, at 3 p.m.
