Fitchburg State Splits Final Doubleheader With Cazenovia

Falcons clipped 2-1 in game one; rebound for 9-5 victory in game two

AUBURNDALE, Fla. (March 15, 2013) – The Fitchburg State baseball team wrapped up its 2013 Florida trip with an overall record of 5-4, splitting with the Wildcats of Cazenovia College this afternoon. The Falcons fell 2-1 in game one before posting a 9-5 victory in the nightcap.

In game one, Fitchburg State received a solid pitching outing from senior Cody Bamforth (Vernon, Conn./Rockville) who put forth a complete game effort despite the loss. Bamforth went all seven innings, picking up ten strikeouts with just one earned run allowed, two walks and five hits.

At the plate, the Falcons outhit the Wildcats as well as senior AJ Silberman (Meriden, Conn./Meriden) led the way with a 2-for-3 performance. Five other Falcons registered hits, including senior Randy Ortiz, Jr. (Danielson, Conn./Killingly) who connected for a double.

The Wildcats notched a pair of runs in the first inning with three hits in the frame, but Fitchburg State did not go quietly, scoring a single run in the third with an RBI single from Jeff Boice (Glastonbury, Conn./Glastonbury). Fitchburg State had many opportunities to knot the score, but ten runners left on bases halted the Falcons comeback hopes.

In game two, Fitchburg State found its self down early, as Cazenovia touched for four unearned runs in the opening frame. The Falcons answered immediately, scoring nine runs over the next four innings to take a 9-4 advantage. Sophomore Michael Schofield (Van Nuys, Calif./Summit View) registered his first collegiate hit in big fashion, connecting for a one-run single in the second to spark a three run rally.

In the third, Fitchburg State added two more runs with a two-run single from sophomore Brendan Cutler (Lancaster, Mass./Clinton) before plating three runs in the fourth with RBI singles from Bamforth and Pierce Hans (Washington Township, N.J./Westwood).

The Falcons added one more run in the top of the fifth before giving way to freshman Javier Lozada (New Bedford, Mass./New Bedford) who earned his second victory of the season. Lozada tossed a complete game for Fitchburg State, scattering eight hits and five runs (zero earned) while striking out six.

Fitchburg State (5-4, 0-0 MASCAC) will be back in action on Tuesday as it hosts Anna Maria College at 3:30 p.m.