NEWARK, N.Y. – Castleton had its chances to tie the game multiple times in the middle innings but couldn't get a run across as the team fell 6-1 to fifth-ranked Cortland on Wednesday afternoon in the squad's first game of the NCAA Division III New York Regional.
The Spartans put runners on third in the fifth and sixth but strikeouts ended both innings as they dropped to 29-11 on the year. The Red Dragons, meanwhile, improved to 32-8 overall.
Samuel Spencer took the loss on the mound, scattering 11 hits over 7.0 innings and giving up six earned runs while striking out one batter. Matt Ravey pitched an inning of scoreless relief. Soren Pelz-Walsh recorded two of the team's four base hits on the day while Allen White went 0-for-2 with three walks.
Ryan McAlary took the win as he tossed 3.1 innings of scoreless relief despite walking five and striking out three. Cortland finished with 11 hits and left four runners on base in the game.
Castleton threatened in the first as White drew a one-out walk. The senior then stole second as southpaw Brandon McClain tried to pick him off and he beat the throw from first to second. White advanced to third on a wild pitch with two down before a grounder ended the frame.
The Red Dragons got on the board in the bottom of the first as each of the first two runners reached. A sacrifice bunt advanced both and P.J. Rinaldi hit a single through the right side for the 2-0 advantage
The Spartans came back in the top of the third as Tyler Lord drew a one-out walk. White and Joe Borowski both walked to load the bases for Dan Errico. The walks chased McClain and Errico earn a walk to cut the lead in half, 2-1.
Castleton put runners on first and third in the sixth and the seventh but strikeouts ended both frames without the tying run crossing the plate.
Cortland extended its lead in the bottom of the seventh as Mark DeMilio laced a one-out double to the left field wall. Conrad Ziemendorf then singled home a run and Anthony Iacomini followed with another to push it to 5-1. The Red Dragons added one more run for the 6-1 advantage.
The Spartans put two runners on in the final frame but couldn't convert as they fell 6-1.
Castleton returns to action at 10 am tomorrow when they face Rutgers-Camden, who lost to Farmingdale St. 4-2 in the first game of the tournament.