Falcons fail to hold early leads, fall twice to Amcats

FITCHBURG, Mass. — Fitchburg State held an early edge and received a strong start on the mound in game 1, but a pivotal sixth inning proved costly as the Falcons fell to Anna Maria, 6-4, in MASCAC action. In game 2, the Flock collected more hits but could not overcome defensive miscues as the Falcons fell to Anna Maria, 6-2.

The Basics

Scores:

Game 1: Fitchburg State 4,Anna Maria 6

Game 2: Fitchburg State 2, Anna Maria 6

Records: Fitchburg State (9-25, 6-15 MASCAC), Anna Maria (25-12, 15-6 MASCAC)

Game 1 

Fitchburg State (9-24, 6-14 MASCAC) controlled much of the game through the first five innings behind solid pitching and timely hitting, but Anna Maria (24-12, 14-6 MASCAC) capitalized on a combination of walks, defensive miscues, and clutch extra-base hits to swing the game late. The Falcons got on the board first in the third inning, manufacturing a run as Joseph Abt drove in Casey Bellew, who had reached earlier in the frame. Fitchburg added to its lead in the fifth inning when Jason Kelly delivered an RBI single up the middle, scoring Bellew again to make it 2-1.

On the mound, Adam Wholley was sharp early, limiting Anna Maria to just two hits over five innings while allowing only one unearned run. He kept hitters off balance throughout his outing, striking out five and working efficiently through the lineup to maintain Fitchburg's lead. Anna Maria broke through in the sixth inning, turning the game with a five-run frame. A two-run double sparked the rally before a sacrifice fly and another two-run double extended the lead. The Buccaneers took advantage of defensive errors during the inning, with several runs crossing the plate unearned, shifting momentum decisively. Fitchburg State attempted to respond in the seventh inning, showing late fight. Maxwell Riordan delivered an RBI single to cut the deficit, and the Falcons added another run on an Anna Maria throwing error to make it 6-4. However, the rally fell short as the Buccaneers closed out the game.

Offensively, Fitchburg recorded six hits, with Riordan leading the way with two hits and an RBI. Jason Kelly and Joseph Abt each contributed an RBI, while Casey Bellew scored twice and helped spark the offense from the bottom of the lineup. The Falcons also applied pressure on the bases, swiping multiple bags throughout the contest. Despite a strong start and opportunities late, defensive struggles played a role in the outcome, as Fitchburg committed two errors that contributed to multiple unearned runs.

Game 2

Fitchburg State (9-25, 6-15 MASCAC) jumped out to an early lead and showed consistency at the plate, but a pair of multi-run innings fueled by errors allowed Anna Maria (25-12, 15-6 MASCAC) to take control of the game.

The Falcons struck first in the opening inning when Maxwell Riordan delivered an RBI single through the left side, scoring Tyler Fonck for a 1-0 advantage. Fitchburg continued to apply pressure early, adding another run in the third inning when Jason Kelly came around to score on a wild pitch, cutting into what had become a 3-1 deficit. Anna Maria responded in the third inning with a three-run rally, capitalizing on a key throwing error that allowed two runs to score before adding another on a groundout. The Buccaneers extended their lead in the fourth inning, plating three more runs—again aided by defensive miscues—to build a 6-2 cushion.

Despite trailing, Fitchburg State continued to battle offensively, finishing with nine hits on the day. Riordan led the way with two hits and an RBI, while Tyler Fonck also recorded a multi-hit performance. Contributions came throughout the lineup, with Joseph Abt, Brady Campbell, Casey Bellew, and Liam Currier each adding hits. On the mound, William Ernst took the loss despite allowing just one earned run over four innings. Defensive struggles proved costly behind him, as Fitchburg committed three errors that led to five unearned runs for Anna Maria. The bullpen provided stability, with Owen Corcoran tossing two scoreless innings with three strikeouts and Dan Palmer adding a clean inning in relief. Fitchburg had opportunities to climb back into the game but was unable to capitalize, leaving five runners on base and grounding into two double plays that halted potential rallies.

By the Numbers (Fitchburg State)

• Adam Wholley tossed 5.0 strong innings, allowing just two hits and one unearned run while striking out five.
• Fitchburg State held a 2-1 lead through five innings of game 1 before surrendering five runs in the sixth.
• Maxwell Riordan recorded two hits and drove in a run to lead the Falcons offensively.
• Jason Kelly and Joseph Abt each added an RBI, contributing to Fitchburg's four-run total.
• Casey Bellew scored two of Fitchburg State's four runs, providing a spark at the bottom of the order.
• William Ernst allowed only one earned run over 4.0 innings in gamw 2, but took the loss due to defensive errors behind him.
• The Falcons committed three errors, leading to five unearned runs for Anna Maria in game 2.
• Maxwell Riordan recorded two hits in game 2 and drove in Fitchburg's first run of the game.
• Tyler Fonck added two hits and scored one of the Falcons' two runs in game 2.
• Owen Corcoran provided two scoreless innings out of the bullpen, striking out three batters.

Up Next

Fitchburg will travel to Western New England for a non conference matchup with the Golden Bears at 3:30 PM on April 29th. 

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