Sass Wins First Collegiate Game, Pioneers Split with Corning

Brady Sass (Caledonia Mumford) struck out eight in a complete game effort to lead Alfred State to a 6-2 victory over Corning CC on Thursday.  The win was the first in his career as the Pioneers split a pair with the Red Barons.

Sass scattered ten hits in his seven innings of work.  He didn't walk a batter while striking out eight.  

Sass got all the offensive support he would need in the 1st inning when the Pioneers struck for three runs.  Tom Banicky (Orson/Hancock) had the big two-RBI single.  After the Red Barons cut it to 3-2 in the 4th, Jordyn Confer (Williamson/Tioga) drew a bases loaded to add to the lead and the Pioneers added two runs in the 7th on a RBI single by Ryan Hierlwimmer (Livonia) and balk.

The Pioneers were held to just three hits but took advantage of six walks and five hit batsmen.

In the opener, Corning rallied for three runs in the 7th inning to earn a 4-3 walk-off victory.  The Pioneers jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the 2nd behind a two-run single by Nick Smith (Arkport). Hierlwimmer made it 3-0 in the 4th with a RBI double before Corning started their comeback.

Corning scored an unearned run in the 4th and then collected a RBI single in the 7th by Cody Marches to make it 3-2.  With two out and runners on 2nd and 3rd, Scott Clark's ground ball was misplayed and allowed the tying and winning runs to score.

The Red Baron rally spoiled a solid outing by Ryan Hedges (Arkport).  Hedges allowed just four hits and one earned run in 6.2 innings.  He walked four and struck out three on the day.

The blue & gold return to action on Saturday when they battle Brock University of St. Catherines, ONT at 1 p.m.  The doubleheader will be played on the new turf field at Houghton College.