WPI Doubles Up Fitchburg State, 8-4

Cutler and Hans pace Falcons in non-conference setback

FITCHBURG, Mass. (April 28, 2014) – The Fitchburg State baseball team hosted the Engineers of WPI this afternoon, falling 8-4 in non-conference action at Riccards Field.

With the victory, WPI improves to 17-15 on the season, while Fitchburg State dips to 22-16 on the year.

The Engineers wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, touching for five runs in the first inning, but Fitchburg State scraped its way back, scoring a pair of runs in the bottom of the frame and single runs over the fourth and fifth innings. WPI would have the final say however with solo runs in the seventh and eight innings to put the game away.

For the Falcons, sophomore Brendan Cutler (Clinton, Mass.) and junior Pierce Hans (Washington Township, N.J.) led the way, finishing a combined 4-for-6 at the plate, with two runs scored and one RBI. Senior David Mason (Leominster, Mass.) added a double, while sophomore Derrick Frazier (Beverly, Mass.) chipped in with a 1-for-3 effort and one RBI.

For the Engineers, Zach Blanchard led the way, hitting 3-for-3 with two runs scored and a pair of walks, while DJ Ouetllette and Vinny D'Ambrosio both added a pair of hits.

On the hill, freshman Jake Kelley (N. Chelmsford, Mass.) was touched with the loss, yielding five runs (three earned) on four hits in just 0.1 innings of work. Classmate Tyler Smith (New Milford, Conn.) was strong in relief for the Falcons, scattering four hits and one run over 5.2 innings, while Sam Miraglia earned the victory for WPI.

Fitchburg State will be back in action on Thursday as it visits Westfield State for quarterfinal round action of the 2014 MASCAC Tournament.