Baseball drops pitchers duel to Framingham 5-1 in MASCAC opener

Northborough, MA- Framingham State scored five times in the top of the ninth inning to break open a scoreless game and Kyle Hodgson went the distance to lead the Rams past the MCLA Trailblazers 5-1 in the MASCAC opener for both teams.  FSU is now 7-8 overall and sits at 1-0 in the conference.  MCLA falls to 6-10 and is 0-1 in the MASCAC.

MCLA's Bobby New and Hodgson matched zeros for the first eight innings, but Framingham finally capitalized on their ninth inning opportunity.  Aaron Williams and Kyle Lippert both reached to start the frame and Andrew Curtis was hit by a pitch attempting to bunt to load the bases against New with nobody out.

Up stepped Joe Ambrosino.  He sent a changeup from New deep over the right field fence for what appeared to be a grand slam, however MCLA appealed the second runner who was called out.  The other runs counted however, and Framingham State led 3-0.  They weren't done yet as Cory Caraher's pinch hit two run double off Max Gabrielly increased the lead to 5-0.

MCLA got a run back when Logan Rumbolt homered deep to left to start the ninth off Hodgson, but he bore down and retired the next three hitters to earn the complete game win.

Hodgson allowed nine hits and struck out 7 Trailblazers to improve to 3-1 on the season.  Ambrosino was the lone Ram to collect two hits.  

MCLA actually outhit FSU 9-7.  Austin Rachiele had three hits to pace the offense while Rumbolt and Dillon Maxon each ended with two apiece.

New absorbed the loss going 8.2 innings and allowing all five runs.  He struck out five batters and walked three.

The two teams are scheduled to meet again on Sunday at the New England Baseball Complex to wrap up their season series.