MCLA drops doubleheader with Gordon
Auburndale, FL- The MCLA baseball team was swept this morning by Gordon College. The Trailblazers dropped the opener 8-1 before falling 15-8 in the nightcap. MCLA is now 1-5 overall and Gordon improves to 5-3.
In the opener, the Fighting Scots crossed the plate 7 times in the top of the first off MCLA starter Ross Miner. Gordon used four hits and three errors in the inning to take ultimate control. The big blow was a two run double from Brian Harrington. Miner would settle down after the first and allow just one more run over the next four innings.
Gordon starter Scott Hall was in command breezing through six innings and allowing just four hits and striking out three to earn the win. Harrington finished with three hits as did Eric Rinaldi. Gordon outhit MCLA 13-5 in the contest.
Chase Preite had two hits for the Trailblazers.
In the nightcap, MCLA jumped out to a quick 5-0 in their half of the first. Tyler Benoit and Rory Slattery had RBI singles while a Gordon error and wild pitch allowed two other runs to come across. MCLA would tack on another in the second as Mike Sullivan doubled home Slayter Aubin, who started the frame off with a single.
Gordon would rally though against DJ Clark and some sloppy defense from the Trailblazers. The leadoff hitter reached on an error and Gordon used three hits and three wild pitches to pull even at 6 after the frame chasing Clark.
After a scoreless third, Gordon would take control with a three run fourth off MCLA reliever Robert Jutras. Harrington again provided a big blow for Gordon with a long triple.
MCLA would attempt to rally in the sixth as Cody Weaver drove in a pair with a bases loaded double, however Rory Slattery struck out to end the threat.
Gordon would add six insurance runs as MCLA committed a pair of costly miscues to put the game out of reach.
John Kanas earned the win for Gordon tossing a scoreless fifth. Jutras absorbed the loss for MCLA.
Aubin had three hits on the afternoon for MCLA along with Preite.
MCLA will be back in action on Friday when they play Bowdoin to close out the southern trip.