Cadets Surrender to Baseball in Conference Play

HOLYOKE, Mass. - The Elms College Baseball team hosted Norwich University for a conference game on Saturday afternoon.

BASICS
Score: Elms College 14 | Norwich University 4
Records: Blazers 7-10, 2-3 (GNAC) | Cadets 6-10, 2-3 (GNAC)

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Blazers did not let Saturday's doubleheader sweep affect them, as Elms took a 3-0 lead early on in the second inning when junior pitcher/outfielder Nason Busca (Windsor, Conn.) recorded a three-run single to score graduate student infielder AJ Cook (Mendon, Mass.), junior infielder Chase Prestia (Newington, Conn.), and sophomore pitcher/infielder Jayden Maynard (Enfield, Conn.). First year pitcher Brycen Diaz (Andrews, Texas) shut down Norwich on the mound, limiting the Cadets from taking the lead from the Blazers. With a 3-1 lead in the fourth, senior outfielder Camron Watkins (East Haddam, Conn.) recorded a one-run single to score Cook yet again, but more importantly, giving Elms a 4-1 advantage. The Blazers further extended their lead in the fifth inning. Prestia recorded a one-run single to score sophomore pitcher/infielder Jacob Perez (Manchester, Conn.), and then Cook batted in sophomore pitcher/utility player Andrew Ciaglo (Hadley, Mass.). Prestia came around the bases to score when Watkins was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, giving Elms a 7-2 lead. Norwich tacked on two runs in the sixth, but in the seventh inning, Elms put Norwich away for good. Once again, Watkins was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, scoring Prestia. The Blazers further took advantage of the Cadet's mistakes when first year catcher Alex Baeta (Bellingham, Mass.) scored off of a wild pitch and when Busca scored off of a throwing error. Up 11-4, the Blazers were not done, as Ciaglo recorded a sacrifice fly to score senior outfielder George Chaya Jr. (Methuen, Mass.) and Maynard recorded a 2-run home run to score Diaz. This seven-run inning put Elms in the lead for good, giving the Blazers a convincing 14-4 win.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Arnold: would pitch an inning, with a strikeout.

• Baeta: one for three, with a run scored and a walk.

• Busca: two for three, with a run scored, three runs batted-in, two walks, and a stolen base.

• Chaya Jr.: one for four, with a run scored, a run batted-in, and a walk.

• Ciaglo: 0 for three, with a run scored and a run batted-in.

• Cook: two for five, with two runs scored and a run batted-in.

• Diaz: would pitch five innings with three scoreless and five strikeouts, and would go 0 for two at the plate with a run scored and two runs batted-in.

• Maynard: two for five, with a home run, two runs scored and two runs batted-in.

• J.Perez: 0 for two, with a run scored and a walk.

• Prestia: two for four, with a double, three runs scored, a run batted-in, and a walk.

• Saad: would pitch an inning.

• Watkins: one for two, with a run scored, three runs batted-in, and a walk.

UP NEXT: The Elms Baseball team will host the Massachusetts College for Liberal Arts on Wednesday, April 2nd for a non-conference game at 6 pm.

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