BROCKPORT, N.Y. — The Brockport baseball team (20-17, 16-4 E8) dropped its Morgan's Message Game contest to Utica (21-14, 12-8 E8) by a final score of 8-6 on Friday, May 1. Despite a late push, the Golden Eagles were unable to overcome a steady performance from the visiting Pioneers in the opening game of the three-game series.
Brockport's offense was powered by Evan Brock (2H, 2R) and Michael Norton (R), who each connected on three-run home runs to account for all six runs. Both players reached base twice in the effort, leading the Golden Eagles at the plate.
Utica struck early, plating three runs in the top of the first inning to take a 3-0 lead. Brockport answered immediately in the bottom half, as Norton sent his seventh home run of the season over the right field fence to even the score at 3-3.
After several scoreless frames from both starting pitchers, Utica regained control in the middle innings. The Pioneers scored five unanswered runs between the fourth and sixth innings, highlighted by two home runs from Lance Berger, to build an 8-3 advantage.
The Golden Eagles responded in the seventh inning when Brock delivered a three-run homer to score Matt Mayer and Josh Indek, cutting the deficit to 8-6.
Brockport threatened in the ninth inning and brought the tying run to the plate, but was unable to complete the comeback, falling in game one of the series.
Josh Indek joined Brock in leading Brockport with two runs scored, reaching base twice.
Brockport returns to action on Saturday, May 2, hosting Utica for a Senior Day doubleheader beginning at noon.
