Fitchburg State Defeats Fisher, 10-2

Sauer collects a game-high three hits; Ryan tosses gem for second victory of the season

HAVERHILL, Mass. (March 24, 2009) - Senior Andy Sauer (Willington, Conn./E.O. Smith) led all hitters with a 3-for-5 night as Fitchburg State topped Fisher College, 10-2 in non-conference action this evening.

Sauer paced the Fitchburg State attack with a team-high three hits, including a double, two runs scored and two RBI, while classmate Kris Breen (Griswold, Conn./Griswold) finished 2-for-4 with a double, one run scored and one RBI. Freshman Michal Mercier (Townsend, Mass./Saint Bernard's) aided the Falcons offense with his first collegiate homerun, while sophomore John Phelan (Walpole, Mass./Walpole) registered two base-hits.

Senior Thomas Englehardt (Bradford, Mass./Haverhill) went 2-for-4 in the contest to lead Fisher, connecting for a single, double and one RBI, while junior Juan Eusabio (Union City, N.J./emerson) and classmate Edwin Pena (Union City, N.J./Emerson) added one hit apiece.   

Fitchburg State opened the scoring early and often, jumping out to a 5-0 lead after one inning of play. Phelan and senior Aaron Granahan (Thomaston, Conn./Thomaston) got the Falcons rolling with back-to-back singles to open the game, while Sauer followed with an RBI single down the left-field line to plate the first Falcon run. A few batters later, Mercier stepped in and connected for a three run blast to give the Falcons a five run cushion.

The Falcons continued their offensive momentum into the late innings, touching for four run in the eighth frame to secure the win. Phelan started the rally with an RBI single to right-field, while Sauer capped the rally with an RBI base knock to center.

Senior Nick Ryan (Lowell, Mass./Lowell) earned his first victory of the season (1-0), scattering seven hits over 7.2 innings of work. The veteran southpaw was dominant on the mound allowing only two earned runs while striking out four. Junior Rob Mondello (Haverhill, Mass./Haverhill) suffered the loss for Fisher, allowing two runs in the first inning before leaving the contest due to injury.

Fitchburg State (7-4, 0-0 MASCAC) will be back in action on Thursday as it hosts Anna Maria College at 3:30 p.m. Fisher (4-13, 0-0 NAIA) will host Maine-Farmington on Friday starting at 12 p.m.

CLICK HERE FOR BOX SCORE & PLAY-BY-PLAY