Falcons earn split with Salem State behind game two surge

Fitchburg, MA – The Fitchburg State University baseball team battled through a pair of tightly contested MASCAC games on Saturday, ultimately earning a split against Salem State after falling in dramatic fashion in game one, 7–5, before responding with an 8–5 victory in the nightcap.

The Basics

Game 1 Score: Fitchburg State 5, Salem State 7
Game 2 Score: Fitchburg State 8, Salem State 5

Records: Fitchburg State (4-21, 2-11 MASCAC) | Salem State (10-11, 6-5 MASCAC)

How It Happened

Game 1

The Falcons struck first in the bottom of the second inning when Michael Cooper came around to score on an RBI single from Casey Bellew, giving the Green and Gold a 1–0 advantage. After a scoreless stretch, Fitchburg State added to its lead in the fifth inning. Tyler Fonck crossed the plate on an RBI single from Cooper, pushing the margin to 2–0. Salem State broke through in the sixth inning with a sacrifice fly from Nolan Currier to trim the deficit to 2–1, but the Falcons answered emphatically in the bottom half of the frame.

Fitchburg State put together its best offensive inning of the game in the sixth, plating three runs. Fonck delivered an RBI single, Maxwell Riordan added a sacrifice fly, and Benjamin Forbes capped the rally with an RBI base hit to extend the lead to 5–1 and put the Falcons in control heading into the final inning.

However, Salem State mounted a decisive comeback in the seventh. A three-run home run from Ryan Bourgeois quickly cut the deficit to one, and the Vikings continued to apply pressure with timely hitting. Nolan Currier followed with a two-run double to give Salem State its first lead of the game, and Owen Duggan added an RBI single to complete the six-run rally and secure the 7–5 decision. Despite the loss, Fitchburg State showed strong offensive balance, recording nine hits and drawing five walks while putting consistent pressure on the Salem State pitching staff.

Game 2

Salem State once again jumped out to a quick start, scoring three runs in the top of the first inning. The Falcons answered immediately, however, showing their offensive depth. In the bottom of the first, Fonck drove in a run with a groundout before Cooper lifted a sacrifice fly to score Joseph Abt, cutting the deficit to 3–2.

The Falcons continued to chip away in the third inning as Cooper came through again with an RBI single, bringing home Fonck to even the score at 3–3. Fitchburg State took the lead for good in the fourth inning. Liam Currier sparked the rally and eventually scored on an RBI single by Abt, giving the Falcons a 4–3 edge. The Green and Gold created separation in the fifth inning with aggressive baserunning and timely hitting. A wild pitch allowed Benjamin Rewenko to score before Jason Kelly delivered a clutch two-run single to plate Currier and Nathaniel Badzmierowski, extending the lead to 7–3.

Salem State made one final push in the sixth, scoring twice to cut the deficit to 7–5, but Fitchburg State answered once again. Forbes lined an RBI double to score Abt and provide an important insurance run, making it 8–5.

On the mound, William Ernst settled in after a shaky first inning and provided a key outing, working 5.2 innings to earn the win. Ryan DiSano bridged the gap out of the bullpen with a scoreless inning, and Shane Daly closed the door in the seventh, stranding the tying run and securing the victory.

By The Numbers

• Fitchburg State totaled 17 hits and 10 walks across the doubleheader
• The Falcons scored 13 runs, including eight in game two after falling behind early
• Jason Kelly led the offense, going 2-for-7 with two RBI, a stolen base and multiple key at-bats, including a go-ahead two-run single in game two
• Tyler Fonck paced the lineup in game one, finishing 3-for-3 with an RBI and a stolen base, while adding another RBI in game two
• Michael Cooper recorded three RBI across both games, consistently producing in run-scoring situations
• Joseph Abt contributed three runs scored and an RBI, setting the tone at the top of the lineup
• Benjamin Forbes delivered in key moments, driving in runs in both games including a crucial insurance RBI double in game two
• Casey Bellew added a hit, RBI and run scored in the opener while continuing to pressure the defense
• Liam Currier went 3-for-5 across the twin bill, including a double and two runs scored
• Fitchburg State pitchers combined for 13 strikeouts, with Ernst earning the win in game two and Daly picking up the save
• The Falcons held Salem State to 5 runs in the final game, a major adjustment after surrendering a late rally in game one

Up Next

Fitchburg State will look to build on its game two momentum as it continues MASCAC play in the coming days hosting MCLA on Monday at 3:30 PM

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