ONONDAGA, N.Y. -- Fredonia State baseball split a doubleheader with New Paltz on Tuesday at Onondaga C.C, dropping a late 8-7 decision in Game 1 before bouncing back with an 11-9 win in Game 2.

Game 1: New Paltz 8, Fredonia State 7

The Devils used a big third inning to go up early, putting up five runs behind a string of big hits. Bryce Firkins delivered a two-RBI single to get the scoring started, followed by a deep shot to left center for a RBI double from Andrew Tucker. Later in the inning, Tucker Schwab added a two-RBI single to give the Devils a 5-0 lead. 

New Paltz responded in the fourth with extra base hits from Fabian Apicella, Joe Richetti & Joe Scarabino who each recorded a double to draw the Hawks within one run heading into the fifth. The Devils added on ito their lead in the fifth with a sacrifice fly from Schwab but the Hawks added another run to make the score 6-5 Fredonia State. 

In the seventh Brayden Willats drove in another to go up by two runs heading into the eighth inning. In the bottom of the eighth, with the bases loaded, Richetti worked a walk to force in a run, trimming the deficit to one. Shortly after, Louis Kaleb brought in the tying run on a fielder's choice, evening the score at 7-7 heading into the final frame.

Apicella delivered the decisive blow for New Paltz with a walk-off RBI single down the left field line, sealing the 8-7 victory. 

On the mound, Morgan Zientara gave Fredonia a strong start, going seven innings while allowing seven runs on eight hits with five strikeouts. Nick Syposs (0-2) was tagged with the loss in relief. For New Paltz, Dylan Hayes earned the win to move to 2-1 after closing the final two innings.

Game 2: Fredonia 11, New Paltz 9

In game two, Fredonia State's offense found success early. The Devils opened the scoring in the first on a sacrifice fly from Domenic Hickock and another from Tucker Schwab. In the second, Vito Verni launched a two-run home run to right center to make it 4-0. An RBI double from Schwab in the third extended the lead and the game shifted decisively in the sixth inning in favor of the Devils. Ryan Mettler started the scoring with an RBI single before Schwab ripped a two run double. Verni followed with a two-RBI single to cap a six-run inning that broke the game open at 11-4. 

The Hawks took advantage of some wild pitches, a two RBI double and a sacrifice fly in the sixth and seventh, but Fredonia State's early surge proved enough to hold on to earn the 11-9 victory. 

Pitcher Talfourd Wynne (2-1) earned the win in relief, while Jonah Church picked up his first save with 2.1 scoreless innings and four strikeouts to close it out. Connor Catania (2-1) took the loss for New Paltz.

Fredonia State will look to carry momentum into its next series as the Devils take on Oswego, with a single nine-inning game scheduled for Friday, April 17th at 3:00 p.m.