OWINGS MILLS, Md. – Stevenson baseball (6-8) split with the Hood College Blazers (10-4) to begin 2024 conference play at East Campus. The final scores were 8-7 in Stevenson's favor and 13-8 for Hood.
 
GAME 1
The Mustangs got on the board first with two runs in the bottom of the second on a single from junior infield Brandon Perillo, allowing first-year infield Jaylon Surell and sophomore outfield Kaige Garrity to score.
 
The Blazers quickly tied it up in the top of the third, but the Mustangs made a comeback in the bottom of the sixth. First-year outfield Christopher Manco earned a home run, allowing him and sophomore outfield Graham Sears to score two to lessen the gap, 6-5.
 
The final three runs arrived in the bottom of the seventh when Surell doubled, allowing Garrity to score. First-year infield Connor Wilkerson singled on a bunt, allowing Surell to score. Manco hit a sacrifice fly for the final out of the first game allowing junior outfield Zack Majeski to score the final run.
 
GAME 2
The Mustangs took an early lead in the bottom of the first on two doubles. Although the Blazers quickly tied in the top of the third, the Mustangs scored three runs in the bottom of the third.
 
Sears and junior infield Brady Bedway scored on a single from Manco, and Manco advanced home following a stolen base by junior outfield Dalton Reinhart.
 
In the bottom of the fourth, junior catcher Matt Perri had a sacrifice fly to allow Perillo to score.
 
The score at the bottom of the ninth was tied 8-8. The Blazers secured their lead in the top of the extra inning.
 
In the first game, Manco had three RBI. The team had 11 hits and seven RBI with eight left on base. Junior pitcher Caden Dail earned the victory on two hits. First-year Jake Treasure and senior Jake Pigeon each struck out one.
 
In the second game, Manco had three more RBI on three runs and three hits. The team had seven RBI on 14 hits with six left on base. Senior pitcher Jason Labrador struck out six on five runs and seven hits.
 
The Mustangs next take on the Gettysburg College Bullets this Wednesday, March 20, for a 3:30 p.m. game at East Campus.