SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Southern Maine plated four runs in the seventh inning as the second-seeded Huskies eliminated sixth-seeded Ithaca, 4-0, on the third day of action at the NCAA Division III Baseball New York Regional, Saturday, hosted by Onondaga Community College.
Southern Maine (33-12) will take on top-seeded Oswego (31-8) on Sunday (May 21) at 12:00 p.m. An Oswego win would clinch the regional title, while the Huskies would need to defeat the Lakers twice to win the championship.
Southern Maine starter Tom Fortier scattered five hits over five innings of work, striking out two while only walking a pair. Reliever Matt Correale (7-4) only allowed two hits over the final four innings of work to earn the victory.
Southern Maine designated hitter Dylan Hapworth drew a walk to lead off the top of the decisive seventh inning before advancing to third on a double down the right field line by catcher Kip Richard. A passed ball to left fielder Paul McDonough brought Hapworth home for the first run of the game before McDonough laid a bunt down the third-base line that scored Richard. A sacrifice bunt by second baseman Jake Dexter advanced McDonough to second before center fielder Devin Warren hit a two-out single to left field and advanced to second on the throw home that missed the scoring McDonough. Right fielder Zach Quintal traded placed with Warren with a double down the left field line to complete the rally.
Ithaca had earlier threatened in the bottom of the sixth after a lead-off walk by first baseman Webb Little brought a Southern Maine call to the bullpen. Correale got Bomber shortstop Trevor Thompson to fly out to right, before walking right fielder Sam Little. However, catcher Ryan Henchey lined out to center and designated hitter Adam Gallagher hit a grounder to shortstop that forced out Sam Little at second as the Huskies got out of the inning unscathed.
Ithaca also threatened in the bottom of the seventh. Center fielder Matt Carey drew a one-out walk before third baseman Cam Fuoti dropped a base hit into shallow left field. However, second baseman Josh Savacool struck out swinging and Webb Little flew out to left to end the inning.
Ithaca starter Andrew Bailey (4-4) took the loss, allowing four runs on seven hits in 6.2 innings of work, while Reliever Matt Eiel only allowed one hit over the final 2.1.
