Pioneers Split with Highlanders

Alfred State and Houghton split a doubleheader at a blustery and wet Pioneer Park. The Pioneers took game one 6-3 and the Highlanders took the nightcap 12-2.

In the opener, Matthew Nawrot (Clarence) went 5.1 strong innings to earn the victory for the Pioneers. Nawrot allowed eight hits, three earned runs, and struck out one Highlander. Jordyn Confer (Tioga, PA) picked up a five out save, his second of the year. He allowed one hit while striking out one.

The Highlanders jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the 1st, but the Pioneers came back with four runs in the bottom of the 2nd. Confer and Dylan Lewis-Ellison (Whitesville) scored when Andrew Weigman (Angelica) connected on an opposite field single. Cullen Franz (Cazenovia) followed with a  triple over the left fielder's head to score Chris Borden (Glenville) and Weigman.

The Pioneers tacked on two insurance runs in the bottom of the 5th inning when Lewis-Ellison drove in two with a single to right. Houghton rallied for two runs in the 6th but was unable to get any closer.

The Pioneers collected just five hits but took advantage of five walks and one Highlander error.

In the nightcap, the Highlanders collected 15 hits and scored 12 runs. They used a seven-run 3rd inning to take full control of the game.

The Pioneers scattered six hits in the nightcap but could only generate two runs. Confer picked up RBI as he singled to center field in the 2nd. They added a run in the 3rd when Michael English (Livonia) drove in a run on a fielder's choice. Jayram Figueroa (Bronx) pitched two strong innings allowing one hit. 

The Pioneers will be back in action Wednesday, April 22nd at @ 2 p.m. as they take on Corning CC in a doubleheader.