By Jim Dixon
D3sports.com
For the second game in as many days, Cortland needed runs in their final inning to avoid elimination. The Red Dragons scored four to defeat Wheaton (Mass.) 6-2 and stayed alive in the 2021 D-III College World Series being held in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
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- 2021 was anything but usual
Cortland will play Salisbury in the bracket two championship game. Cortland will need to defeat Salisbury twice to advance to play St. Thomas in the Championship series while Salisbury only need to win one. If Cortland defeates Salsibury on Sunday night, they will play again on Monday at 3:30 otherwise the 3:30 game on Monday will be the first game in the Championship Series with St. Thomas.
Like they did against Rowan on Saturday, Cortland scored four runs in their final inning. Wheaton's starter, Josh Roberge dug himself an early hole in the ninth by hitting Jame Varian and walking the next two batters. Matthew Krafft singled through the right side of the infield that scored the two lead runners and when the ball was misplayed by the right fielder, the third run score. This was all Cortland needed but they added a fourth tally on Chris Bonacci's single to left.
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| Paul Franzese. Photo by Steve Frommell, d3photography.com | More photos from this game |
Wheaton opened the scoring with single runs in the second annd six innings and Zach DeMatio play a role in both. In the second, DeMattio single to left and moved to third on an error and a scarifice bunt. Nick Croteau lifter a sacrifice fly to left that was deep enough to score DeMattio. In the sixth, Demattio's wind aided deep fly fell beyond the outfield fence for his first home run of the series.
Cortland scored twice in the seventh to catch Wheaton. James Varien started the rally with a HBP and was joined on the bases by Paul Franzese via a single to left. Andrew Michalski sacrifice bunt scored Varian and when the shortstop threw the ball into the dirt, Franzese took advantage and scored on the error.
Matt Funk earned the win in his 5.2i nnings of work. He entered in relief of Zack Durant who lasted just 2.2 innings. Liam Krasney came in the ninth to get the last three outs for the save. Roberge took the loss for Wheaton.
Scott Giordano, who did not factor in any of the scoring led all hitters with three hits on the night. DeMattio was the only player with multiple runs score.