Brody Burdett getting an high five from Andy Pichardo

Big Offensive Day as Pioneers Split at Mt. Aloysius

The Alfred State baseball team pounded out 19 hits in the nightcap as they split with Mt. Aloysius on Monday in a key AMCC battle. The Pioneers won the nightcap 18-4 to bounce back after a heartbreaking 8-7 set back in the opener.

Colin Johnson (Alfred Almond) got the scoring started in the 1st when he doubled to left center to score Josh Laurie (LeRoy) who was hit by a pitch one batter earlier. Connor Pingitore (Amsterdam/Broadalbin Perth) collected a RBI double in the 3rd and Brody Burdett (Scottsdale, AZ) followed with a two-RBI single to left to make it 3-0. Andy Pichardo (Queens/Academy of American Studies) added to a RBI single in the 4th.

The Mounties (24-10, 11-3 AMCC) got on the board in the bottom of the 4th with a pair of runs but Tim Holler (Carmel) answered back with a RBI single in the 5th. Mt. Aloysius scored their final two runs of the game in the 6th before the Pioneer offense exploded for five runs in the 7th. Johnson tripled and scored on a throwing error, Burdett had a RBI double to left, Danny Doran (Irondeqouit) had a two-run single to right center, and Pichardo scored on an error.

In the 9th, Laurie had a RBI double to right field, Johnson drove in a pair with a single up the middle, Burdett followed with a RBI double to left, Pingitore scored on a fielding error, and Justin LoTemple (Greece Athena) capped the seven run inning with a RBI single to left.

Johnson led the Pioneer 19-hit attack with a 5 for 6, 3 RBI day. Burdett was 3 for 6 with 4 RBI while Pichardo, Doran, Laurie, Pingitore and Holler were each 2 for 5. Garrett Mack (Avon) tossed another complete game to improve to 5-1 on the year. He allowed three hits and and three earned runs on the day. He walked four and struck out four.

In the opener, the Pioneers fell behind 5-0 heading into the 6th inning. In the 6th, Johnson collected a RBI single to center and Burdett lifted a sac fly to right before Johnson scored on a steal and stop. The Mounties made it 6-3 with a single run on a wild pitch in the 6th. 

The Pioneers would take the lead for the first time with a big 7th inning. Doran doubled to center after Jack Henby (Hornell) singled and Pichardo was hit by a pitch. Laurie followed with a three run homer to left to make it 7-6. Pingitore hit a one-out double and Burdett walked but the Mounties were able to keep the Pioneers from adding to their lead.

In the bottom of the 7th, Mt. Aloysius loaded the bases with one out and Ryan Leonard hit a single to center to plate a pair of runs and send the Mounties into celebration mode. 

Laurie had a monster first game. He finished with 4 for 4 with 3 RBI. Henby was 2 for 3 while Doran was 2 for 4 with a RBI.

In the doubleheader, Alfred State collected 32 hits. 13 of those hits were for extra bases.

The Pioneers (16-16, 8-6 AMCC) continue AMCC play on Wednesday when they travel to Hilbert for a 1 p.m. doubleheader with the Hawks. Alfred State is currently 8-6 in AMCC play and is tied for 5th in the standings (top six advance to AMCC playoffs).