PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. -- Fredonia and Plattsburgh complete their three-game SUNYAC baseball series Monday after splitting a doubleheader Sunday.
The Blue Devils bounced back for a 4-1 win in Sunday's nightcap after dropping the opener, 2-1, in 11 innings.
The split left Fredonia on the brink of clinching one of the last two SUNYAC post-season berths. At 8-6 in the conference (11-17 overall), the Blue Devils started Monday in third place -- 2 1/2 games ahead of Brockport -- with four conference games remaining, including a three-game series next Friday and Saturday at second-place Oswego.
Plattsburgh, at 4-10 in SUNYAC, can still qualify for the four-team tournament. In addition to Monday's game vs. the Blue Devils, the Cardinals have three games next weekend with New Paltz, currently in last place. Brockport, meanwhile, closes out its campaign vs. league-leading Cortland.
The Devils in the details from Sunday's doubleheader:
GAME ONE
- Fredonia senior Luke Kuczewski pitched a complete game (10 2/3 innings). He allowed an unearned run in the fourth. Plattsburgh eventually scored the game winner in the bottom of the 11th. Kuzcewski scattered six hits and two walks. He struck out six.
- Russell Mistretta had three hits for Fredonia, including a pair of doubles. Patrick Bigham, Kole Brink, and Nicolas Fiore each had a pair of hits.
- Mistretta's first double figured in the scoring. It led off the second inning and preceded a two-out RBI single by Tyler Phillips.
- Ryan Whalen pitched two scoreless innings for the win in relief of Plattsburgh starter Frank Finkbeiner, who gave up seven hits in nine innings of work.
GAME TWO
- Fredonia broke on top with two runs in the top of the first. Mistretta led off the game with a single, Bigham drew a one-out walk, and William Clifford delivered an RBI single to left. After Billy Sanborn walked, a wild pitch plated the second run.
- Plattsburgh had four hits yet scored only one run in the last of the second, thanks in part to a Blue Devil double play.
- It stayed 2-1 Fredonia until the top of the seventh, when the Blue Devils plated two insurance runs. Domenic Monti walked and stole second ahead of an RBI single by Fiore. Mistretta followed with an RBI double off the wall.
- Sam Cestra (3-3) pitched four strong innings, leaving with a 2-1 lead. Nick Ciraolo swooped in for the final three innings, recording his second save of the season.
WHAT'S NEXT?
- Monday's game is scheduled for 11 a.m. Live coverage is provided HERE.
