Salem State Wins MASCAC Baseball Tournament Opener

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Fifth seed Salem State won their MASCAC Baseball Tournament opener, 13-8 over fourth seed Worcester State on Thursday, which was played at tournament host Bridgewater State. The Vikings (18-16) advance to face the top seeded Bears while the Lancers end their season 23-14.

Salem State starter Cam Fisher allowed seven runs on eight hits in 4.1 innings to go with three strikeouts. Relievers Brandon McMahon, who pitched .2 innings of scoreless relief, and eventual winning pitcher Nick Bamforth (3-3), who gave up just a run on four hits in 4.0 innings led the way from the mound. Yabdriel Gonzalez was 4-for-6 from the plate with two runs and an RBI. Michael Buccaro collected three hits and two runs while Connor Dolan added two hits with a double, run and two RBI.

Jack Hildred of Worcester State lasted just 0.2 innings, allowing four runs on six hits. Reliever Matthew Direnzo (2-2) suffered the loss after giving up five runs -- three earned -- on four hits with a walk and three strikeouts. Riggs Catlin was 2-for-5 with a double and triple for the Lancers. Anthony Iamarone added a solo home run.

How It Happened:

• The Vikings scored four in the first on RBI singles by Ethan Stepputtis and Gonzalez. Nolan Currier and Ryan Bourgeois added back-to-back base hits, driving in a run each to make the score 4-0.
• Worcester State responded in the bottom of the inning as Nathan Thurber plated the first run with an RBI base hit. Jack Savio added a second run on a groundout before Christopher Mondesir's RBI single to left made it a 4-3 game.
• Salem State extended their lead to 7-3 in the third following an RBI single by Jake Boucher. Connor Dolan added a sacrifice fly with Owen Duggan collecting an RBI single to right.
• Trailing 7-4 in the fifth, the Lancers tied the game with three runs on a home run by  Iamarone and an RBI double by Tyler Normandie. Savio added the third run on a sacrifice fly to left.
• Tied 8-8 in the eighth, Salem State put the game away with a five-run inning as the Vikings sent nine men to the plate. Ryan Bourgeois scored a run with a bases loaded sacrifice fly. A single by Boucher and fielding error allowed two more runs to score before Dolan -- RBI single -- and Duggan -- sacrifice fly -- gave Salem State a five-run lead.