BROCKPORT, N.Y. – The Golden Eagle lineup exploded for 19 hits collectively as The College at Brockport Baseball team secured a much needed State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) victory to halt a six game skid after an 11-6 win over Fredonia at Clark V. Whited Complex.
Brockport's (17-14 Overall, 8-5 SUNYAC) speedy lineup took advantage of the partially rainy and wet conditions as the Green and Gold were able to successfully reach base on several infield singles. On a special note, senior Wesley Burghardt entered today's game one hit shy of tying for third all-time in career hits for Brockport. He tied the mark set by Mike Meola, with an infield single in the bottom of the first before a leadoff double in the fifth propelled his career total to 167 hits taking sole possession of third all-time.
The Golden Eagles took the early lead in the game but Fredonia battled back multiple time as Brockport and the Blue Devils traded leads five times. During the fifth inning Fredonia rallied to capture the lead for the second time in the contest with four runs.
Kyle Perez entered the fifth inning as Brockport was trailing 6-4. Fredonia had the bases loaded and two outs as it was threatening to pull away with the game having already batted nine batters in the single frame. Perez masterfully got the Blue Devil batter to ground into a fielder's choice for the final out of the top half of the fifth maintaining the 6-4 score.
Burghardt was the first batter for Brockport in the bottom half of the fifth and he roped a double into left center on the first pitch he saw. Cleanup man Chris Davis ripped a liner into left field for a run scoring single on the first pitch he saw as well.
Designated hitter Josh Martin hit a sharp ground towards the shortstop and third base gap. The Blue Devil shortstop made a nice attempt at the ball but was only able to knock it down and keep it in the infield momentarily postponing Brockport's scoring. Leftfielder Dave Battel bunted both Davis and Martin ahead one base to put both runners into scoring position.
Luke Gilbert stayed patient at the plate watching three straight balls before waiting until pitch number five for ball four to load the bases. On the first pitch right fielder Dane Cala saw, he swung and hit a ball towards the left field line that tailed away from the fielder for a bases clearing double, giving Cala three RBI putting Brockport ahead for good with a score of 8-6.
The Golden Eagles scored in all but two of their eight times up to bat. Brockport scored to take the early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first on three straight singles from Paul Ludden, Burghardt and Chris Davis.
After two runs gave Fredonia the lead in the second, Brockport rallied with two of its own in the bottom half of the inning, doing damage with two outs. Following two strikeouts, Luke Gilbert laid down an excellent bunt down the third base line for an infield single to get things started. Gilbert ran towards second on the fourth pitch Cala received opening a wide gap on the left side. Cala slapped the ball towards the hole as Fredonia's shortstop hit the breaks and changed direction on the ball, only able to knock it down for another infield hit.
Shortstop Greg Ruddy singled to centerfield knocking in Gilbert before Ludden's grounder through the left side knocked in Cala to give Brockport its second lead of the day, a 3-2 advantage.
Brockport added a run in the fourth inning when Joe Bender reached on an error before Cala sent the ball deep into right centerfield. Cala and Bender raced around the bases as Cala was able to leg out a triple which put Brockport ahead 4-2.
Both squads erupted for four run innings in the fourth as Brockport emerged on top with the 8-6 lead. Brockport added another run in the sixth on a run scoring triple, this time from Martin hit the ball deep into the opposite field gap that Fredonia's centerfielder was unable to make the diving over the shoulder catch. Martin finished the play on third base as he knocked in Burghardt, who previously reached base on a single.
The Golden Eagles added two more insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth when Ruddy led the frame off with a double before Paul Ludden walked. The middle of the lineup came through as Burghardt had an RBI single before Davis hit a soaring sacrifice fly ball that scored Ludden.
Burghardt and Davis finished the game a combined 7-for-9 with four RBI, while Martin finished 3-for-5. Cala also picked up three hits, on a 3-for-4 day at the plate, picking up four RBI. Ruddy and Ludden did a superb job of setting the table for the middle of the order as the pair each finished the contest with two hits apiece.
Perez silenced the offense of Fredonia, pitching arguably his best game ever as a Golden Eagle during this final home stand of his collegiate career. The Oswego, N.Y. – native picked up his first career victory while pitching 4.1 scoreless innings. He allowed only two men to reach base on singles, while walking zero and striking out one.
The Golden Eagles extend an invitation to all service men and women that served the United States in the military, fire or police departments tomorrow during the "Hometown Heroes" event as well as a celebration of the 11 Golden Eagle seniors. The "Hometown Heroes" special pregame ceremony will begin at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow while the senior day awards will be presented prior to game two.
Brockport will face Fredonia tomorrow in a doubleheader to conclude its SUNYAC three game series. The Golden Eagles currently rank third in the SUNYAC standings with an 8-5 record as Fredonia is fifth with a reversed 5-8 record. Be sure to stay up to date on all your Golden Eagle scores and awards by following @BportAthletics on Twitter and by liking the "Brockport Golden Eagles" Facebook page.