MCLA sweeps opening DH against SUNY-IT, 10-5 and 3-0

Lakeland, Fl- The MCLA baseball team received a pair of strong opening outings as they swept their 2011 season opening doubleheader against SUNY-IT.  The Trailblazers won game one 10-5 before shutting out the Wildcats 3-0 in game two. 

Sean Hermance went six innings to earn the opening win while Daniel Gaines threw a complete game shutout in game two.

In the opener, MCLA scored in the first five innings jumping out to a 10-4 lead.   The Trailblazers actually trailed 2-0 after the top of the first.  MCLA responded as the first two hitters, John Ripepi and Rick Massey reached base.  Paul Procopio then drove both of them home after they moved up on a passed ball to knot the game.  The Trailblazers took the lead for keeps in the bottom of the second when Vince Bordino scored on an error.  MCLA finally broke the game open when Procopio connected for a two run homer in the fourth making it 6-2.

Hermance earned the win going six innings.  He gave up seven hits and three earned runs.  He struck out three.

In game two, Gaines was the story.  The left hander went the distance allowing only a pair of hits and striking out six.  MCLA plated all three runs in the second inning.  Following a lead off walk to Bobby Beauchesne, Zach Theulen singled to put runners on first and second.  After a failed bunt attempt and a strikeout, John Ripepi came through with a clutch two out double driving in a pair of runs.  He would come around to score on a Massey RBI single. 

Ripepi was 3-5 on the day with a pair of stolen bases.  He also walked twice and was hit by a pitch.  Joe Parillo had a pair of hits in game two including a double.

MCLA will play another doubleheader tomorrow against Dickinson (PA) at Noon.