CONTACT: Adam Sopris, a.sopris@hvcc.edu, (518) 629-7898 or (518) 416-2137
FOR RELEASE: Immediate, Saturday, April 27, 2024
The Hudson Valley Community College baseball team earned a much-needed split against No. 8 ranked Herkimer on Saturday afternoon at Joe Bruno Stadium.
GAME ONE: #8 Herkimer 10, Hudson Valley 2 (Final)
The Vikings couldn't overcome a six-run first inning by the nationally-ranked Herkimer Generals and allowed 10 runs on 13 hits over the seven innings of play. The Vikings combined for two runs on six hits and were led by Tyree Jackson, who finished 2-for-4 at the plate with one run scored.
Hunter Stolov took the loss after allowing six runs on seven hits in the first inning. Cole Flannery replaced Stolov and pitched 2.2 innings while giving up four runs (1 earned) on five hits. The Vikings then used a combination of Owen Simonsen, Jason Hernandez and Daniel Paton for the final 3.1 innings. The trio allowed one hit with four walks and two strikeouts.
GAME TWO: Hudson Valley 9, #8 Herkimer 8 (Final)
In the final game of the day, the Vikings fell behind early as Herkimer managed to put three runs on the board in the top of the second inning with the help from two Hudson Valley defensive errors to set up a three-run home run by Herkimer.
Trailing 4-1 in the bottom of the fourth inning, the Vikings offense responded. Hudson Valley loaded the bases with zero outs as they took advantage of a Herkimer error, followed by a hit-by-pitch on Alex Marino. Aidan Chrysler then battled through a 10-pitch at-bat to force a walk, allowing Jayden Kennedy to score and the Vikings trailed 4-2 and the bases were still loaded, forcing the Generals to call the bullpen.
Matthew Carrera produced the big hit as he sent a bases-clearing double down the left field line and the Vikings jumped on top of the Generals 5-4. The Vikings offense was now rolling as Tyree Jackson bunted and reached third base on a throwing error and Carrera scored to extend the Vikings lead to 6-4. Colin Lynch then sent a sacrifice fly deep to right field to score Jackson and Hudson Valley took a three-run advantage, 7-4, to close out a six-run fourth inning for the Vikings.
Herkimer immediately responded, putting three runs up on the board in the top of the fifth inning, which included a two-run home run to tie the game at 7-7. Jayden Hughes completed his day, tossing 4.2 innings and allowed seven runs on seven hits with five walks and three strikeouts.
In the bottom of the fifth, the Vikings did a nice job manufacturing the go-ahead run as they took advantage of a lead-off walk by Brendan Connolly. Connolly later advanced on a wild pitch and scored on an RBI single by Aidan Chrysler to put HVCC ahead 8-7.
Richie Tamsett, in the sixth inning, produced a 1-2-3 inning and the Vikings offense was back at the plate in the bottom of the sixth inning with an 8-7 lead and the top of the batting order set to approach the plate.
The Vikings couldn't take advantage of two walks in the home half of the sixth inning, which set up a showdown in the seventh as the Vikings were poised to secure a win over a top-10 program.
Herkimer managed to tie the game in the top of the seventh inning, which then put the spotlight on the Vikings in the home half of the seventh inning. Following back-to-back singles by Anthony Rizzo and Brendan Connolly, Brendan Curry successfully bunts the then over into scoring position. Alex Marino then wins the game for the Vikings as he connected for a sacrifice fly to centerfield, allowing Rizzo to score the game winning run.
ON DECK:
The Vikings are scheduled to close out the four-game series with Herkimer tomorrow, Sunday, April 28th at Herkimer. The doubleheader is scheduled for a 12 p.m. start.