PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – Cortland scored eight runs in the top of the first inning and the nationally second-ranked Red Dragons defeated Plattsburgh, 15-6, to complete a three-game weekend sweep of the host Cardinals. With the win, Cortland improved to 17-4 overall and 6-0 in SUNYAC play.
Freshman Brandon Serio (Bedford Hills/Fox Lane) allowed only one hit, struck out nine and did not walk anyone in five scoreless innings for his third win in four decisions this spring. He retired the first 14 batters he faced before giving up a two-out, pinch-hit double by Nicholas Lupo in the fifth.
Cortland's pitchers combined to strike out 16 batters and allow only two hits. Senior Tyler Scott (New Paltz) retired all six batters he faced, three by strikeout, in the sixth and seventh innings. Plattsburgh scored six runs in the bottom of the eighth with the help of four walks, a hit batter, a catcher's interference and one hit – a Mike Mulvihill two-run single.
Senior Zack Graczyk (Carmel) led off the game with a solo homer and also hit a two-run single to cap Cortland's eight-run first inning. He finished 2-for-3 with three RBI and two runs scored. Senior Ralph Keppler (Rockville Centre/Oceanside) singled in a run in the first and hit a two-run single in the second. He ended 2-for-3 with a walk, three RBI and two runs.
Sophomore Donny Castaldo (Mount Kisco/Fox Lane) went 2-for-4 with a double, walk and RBI, senior John Adornetto (Commack) was 2-for-4 with a double and RBI and junior Chris Jackson (Wappingers Falls/Roy C. Ketcham) finished 1-for-3 with a walk, including a two-run double in the fourth inning as Cortland led 13-0 after four innings.
Cortland will host Oswego in a single SUNYAC game Tuesday at 3 p.m.