Cambridge, MA --- Junior Thomas Allison (Kingwood, TX) delivered two doubles, three RBI and two runs scored as MIT defeated visiting WPI, 8-4, in a NEWMAC baseball matchup Wednesday afternoon.
MIT improves to 16-14-1 overall and 8-7 in league games as WPI dips to 21-13 and 7-8.
In addition to his performance at the plate, Allison caught the first seven innings before striking out four in the final two innings. Sophomore Andrew Krause (St. Louis, MO) also had a pair of hits for the hosts while senior Alec Kushner (Copper City, FL) doubled and accounted for a pair of RBI. Senior Jared Schwait (Boca Raton, FL) doubled and stole a base. Senior Patrick Callahan (Vicksburg, MI) fanned four in the five-inning start as sophomore Casey Bussone (Danvers, MA) set down three in his two-inning shift.
Seniors Steven Gallagher (Coventry, RI) and Josh Herlands (Glastonbury, CT) each logged a pair of hits as the former homered and drove in two and the latter doubled for WPI. Freshman Martin McCormack (Quincy, MA) chipped in with a sacrifice fly and senior Ryan Tropeano (Pembroke, MA) added an RBI. Freshman Alexander Mondro (Westford, MA) led a parade of pitchers that also included senior Tyler Weiss (Monroe, CT) who struck out a team-high three batters. Senior Doug Rives (Bethany, CT) and junior Nick Tagaris (New City, NY) each struck out a pair to go with one each by junior Kyle Wood (Hauppauge, NY) and senior Dominic Fusco (North Haven, CT).
Gallagher gave WPI the initial lead with a two-run shot to left in the top of the first. Allison connected on a two-out RBI double to right before Krause scampered home on a wild pitch to tie the game. MIT later took the lead when Allison touched home following another wild pitch.
It remained a 3-2 game until MIT doubled it score with three in the fifth thanks to consecutive doubles by Allison (2 RBI) and Kushner (RBI). The hosts added two more in the sixth as Krause and Kushner drew bases-loaded walks.
McCormack's sacrifice fly in the ninth made it an 8-3 ballgame before Tropeano singled in a run for the 8-4 final.
Both teams close out divisional series with doubleheaders Saturday at noon. WPI, who is looking to secure its fourth West Division crown in five years, is at Springfield while MIT hosts nationally-ranked Wheaton.