BSC Splits MASCAC Opener with Worcester State

Game 1 Box Score

Game 2 Box Score

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. – In MASCAC baseball action, the host Bears of Bridgewater State College split a doubleheader with Worcester State this afternoon from Alumni Park in Bridgewater. The Bears shutout the Lancers in game one, 2-0, behind a sensational complete game pitching performance by senior Martin Anderson (Meriden, CT). Worcester came back to take the nightcap by a margin of 6-4.

With the split, Bridgewater is now 8-3 on the season while Worcester checks in at 6-9. The doubleheader was the conference opener for the two teams as they are both 1-1 in the MASCAC standings.

In game one, Anderson went the distance allowing just two hits while striking out six. He threw just 74 pitches and did not walk a batter. The win was his first since April 23, 2006 versus Mass. Maritime as he missed all of last season due to injury.

Anderson (1-1) retired the first seven batters he faced before giving up an infield single in the third inning. After Worcester picked up their second hit of the game with a one-out line drive single in the fifth, Anderson set down the last eight batters in a row to end the game.

Sophomore Mark Claffey (Bellingham, MA-3B) scored Bridgewater State’s first run on a sacrifice fly by junior Kelly LaDow (East Falmouth, MA-C) in the third inning. Junior Kenny Downey (Braintree, MA-2B) crossed the plate for BSC’s second run in the fourth on an RBI single by freshman Steven Lambert (Milton, MA-RF).

Sophomore Joey Lucier (Brockton, MA) took the loss on the mound for the Lancers. Lucier (0-2) also went the distance allowing two runs while scattering eight hits. Lucier struck out four while also giving up two walks.

In game two, Bridgewater State jumped on the board early with a 3-0 lead in the top of the second highlighted by an RBI single by Downey and a sacrifice fly by junior Brad Koneski (North Dighton, MA-OF)

Worcester State responded with a pair of runs over the next two innings. Freshman Corey Abbrascia (Shrewsbury, MA-CF) scored in the second on an RBI ground-out by sophomore Nick Dortona (Revere, MA-3B) and then sophomore Nick Caparell (North Attleboro, MA) plated a run in the bottom of the third with a single.

The Lancers took the 4-3 lead in the fourth. Senior Chris Logan (Spencer, MA-C) singled in sophomore Ryan Laprade (Leominster, MA-2B) and then Logan scored from first on an RBI double by senior Chris Gusha (Rutland, MA-RF).

The Bears tied the game 4-4 when senior J.T. Mooney (North Attleboro, MA) walked in junior Dave Kiloski (Lowell, MA-1B) when the bases were loaded in the top of the sixth. Bridgewater State threatened to score the go-ahead run with two-outs, but they were unable to capitalize ending the inning on a ground-out.

Worcester State took the 6-4 lead for good in the bottom of the sixth when Caparell belted an RBI double, which knocked in a pair of runs on the play. Junior Mike Hart (Easton, MA-LF) scored from third on Caparell’s double and Logan added the insurance run when the centerfielder misplayed the ball in the outfield.

McBride earned his second win of the season allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits while striking out ten BSC batters. McBride (2-1) also allowed four walks. Junior Pat Good (Hull, MA) picked up his first save of the season pitching a scoreless inning of relief in the top of the seventh.

Sophomore Ben Altman (Taunton, MA) was tagged for the loss in relief of right-handed starter Dave Liffers (Norwell, MA). Liffers went 3 2/3 innings giving up four runs (three earned) on nine hits while notching one strikeout.

Both teams had frustrating games at the plate in the night-cap. Bridgewater State left eight runners stranded on the bases while Worcester State left 10 and six in scoring position.

Downey paced the Bears on the afternoon going 4-for-6 with an RBI and a run scored.  Lambert went 3-for-7 while driving in a run, while Kiloski crossed the plate twice finishing the doubleheader 2-for-6.

After being shutout in game one, the Lancers responded and were led by Gusha who went 3-for-4 with an RBI. Logan and Caparell each went 2-for-3 while Logan chipped in with a game-high three runs and Caparell plated two runs.

The Bears have three non-conference games in the next week. BSC will play Rhode Island College at 3:30 P.M. on Monday and then entertain UMass Boston at 3 o’clock on Thursday and Southern Maine on Friday at 3:30. The Lancers will host Endicott on Tuesday at 3:30 P.M. 

Release written by Steven M. Miller, Jr --- Sports Information Correspondent